Neutron Diffraction Measurements for Residual Stresses in AL-6XN Stainless Steel Welded Beams

The primary objective of the current study was to quantify the magnitude and distribution of residual stresses in various welded details in non-magnetic super-austenitic AL-6XN stainless steel I-beams through saw cutting and neutron diffraction methods. The welded details included transverse groove welds and simulated bulkhead attachment welded details, both of which duplicated details in previous fatigue test specimens [Fisher et al., 2001; Cheng et al., 2003a]. It was expected that the results of a study of residual stresses could be used to analyze the effect of residual stresses on fatigue strength. This Chapter presents a description of specimen materials, specimen preparation, neutron diffraction measurement plan, method and results.