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Cross-sectional mapping of residual stresses in a VPPA weld using the contour method

  • Y. Zhang
  • , S. Ganguly
  • , L. Edwards
  • , M. E. Fitzpatrick

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

We present measurements of the cross-sectional residual stress profile in a 2024 aluminium alloy VPPA weld using a newly invented technique - the contour method. The method is destructive, but simple in principle and easy in use. It needs only one straight cut through a sample on the plane of interest, followed by measurement of the surface contour produced by relaxation of the pre-existing stress field. Finite-element modelling is then used to back-calculate the original stress field. In this case we validate measurements made with the contour method, by using non-destructive diffraction data obtained from the same weld before cutting. This allows a comparison to be made and excellent agreement between the results from the two methods is seen. The study indicates that the contour method is a powerful novel technique to obtain an accurate full two-dimensional map of residual stress fields.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)5225-5232
Number of pages8
JournalActa Materialia
Volume52
Issue number17
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 4 Oct 2004
Externally publishedYes

Funding

The authors thank The Open University and EPSRC for financial support of the project, and Cranfield University for supply of the weld. We particularly acknowledge Dr. Mike Prime for help in understanding and the use of the contour method. Peter Ledgard’s technical assistance with specimen cutting is much appreciated.

Keywords

  • Contour method
  • Neutron diffraction
  • Residual stresses
  • Synchrotron radiation
  • VPPA welding

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Ceramics and Composites
  • Polymers and Plastics
  • Metals and Alloys

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