Residual stresses measurement by neutron diffraction and theoretical estimation in a single weld bead

Welding residual stresses are important in pressure vessel and structural applications. However, residual stress remains the single largest unknown in industrial damage situations. They are difficult to measure or theoretically estimate and are often significant when compared with the in-service stresses on which they superimpose. High residual stresses lead to loss of performance in corrosion, fatigue and fracture. In this research, a measurement of residual stress by the neutron diffraction technique is compared to an analysis of the same geometry by theoretical finite element procedures. The results indicate good agreement but scope for further understanding of the details of modelling the welding heat source, heat transfer and variation of material properties with temperature. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.