Case study of residual stresses distribution in steel welded parts using ultrasound

Abstract

Residual stresses occur in every welded manufactured structure. Different studies aimed to classify the methods of investigating the residual stresses and to highlight the advantages and disadvantages/limits of each of them. The conclusion is that ultrasonic investigation permits the evaluation of bulk stress state of welded components with acceptable accuracy. Our past research has addressed various aspects of ultrasonic investigation of residual stresses in welded steel parts: different cases of the analysis of residual stresses, edge effect on analyses of residual stresses. The purpose of this paper is to continue the previous research by introducing a new case: comparative study of equal size samples obtained by splitting an initial sample. The probe was conceived as a frame with a detachable side. After welding, the assembly is processed on a grinding machine to ensure parallel surfaces. The sample, as obtained, is ultrasonic investigated as part. After that, the detachable side is removed and the resulted part is split in six equal samples. Every so obtained sample was investigated and results are presented. New direction for future research is proposed.