Assessment of residual stresses in single-and multi-bead-on-plate weldments measured by neutron diffraction

Abstract

Welding residual stresses (RS) have important consequences for the performance of engineering components. Even when a weld can be produced successfully, the presence of RS must be taken into account when making an estimate of the useful working life of the component, since the mechanical properties of the weld joint, corrosion resistance and fatigue behavior can be impaired. For this reason it is desirable to estimate the RS state in the weld and surrounding area with as much precision as possible. The authors have used neutron diffraction to follow in detail the changes in the RS characteristics single- and multi-bead-on-plate welds in a low-carbon steel. This research has focused on: the r..