Systems and methods for generating beneficial residual stresses in a target material by generating cavitation shock waves through the use of a cavitation intensification conditioner. Shock waves emanate through the target material from collapsing cavitation voids in a liquid jet to generate residual stresses without significantly deforming the surface of the target material. A high pressure liquid is accelerated through a submerged peening nozzle to generate a high-speed liquid cavitating jet that is further intensified and controlled by use of the cavitation intensification conditioner.