Abstract: In order to make a comprehensive evaluation of process parameters of laser peening,a Taguchi experimental method was adopted here.Laser peening of the 12mm thick 6061-T6 aluminum alloy sheet was studied by changing the laser power,laser shot diameter and pulse width.The objective of the study was to assess the impact of laser parameters on residual compressive stress and the interaction of parameters.The finite element software ABAQUS was applied to simulate the laser peening process.The Taguchi method was used to formulate the experimental layout and establish the order of predominance among the identified critical parameters,and predict the optimal setting for each process parameter.The results obtained were analyzed using the software MINITAB.The results show that three parameters related to the magnitude of compressive residual stress imply different effects.Laser shot diameter ranks first,followed by pulse width and laser power.The best combination of levels is A3B3C2.The optimal result is confirmed with a superior ultimate surface residual compressive stress of 125MPa.