WELD APPLICATION OF A NEW METHOD FOR CROSS-SECTIONAL RESIDUAL STRESS MAPPING

The new ''contour method'' was used to measure a cross-sectional map of residual stresses in a welded plate. Comparisons with neutron diffraction measurements confirm the capability of the contour method to measure complex, 2-D stress maps. Compared to other methods, the contour method is relatively simple and inexpensive to perform, and the equipment required is widely available.