Documente Academic
Documente Profesional
Documente Cultură
Structural designers and engineers must be aware of residual stresses in fabrications and of the common
methods used to relieve these unwanted stresses.
Stress – the sources are numerous, but fortunately there are a variety of ways to relieve it. No I’m not talking
about the hectic pace of our personal lives, although it certainly can apply, but instead I’m referring to the
fabrication and machining of metals. Residual stress is an internal stress that is not a result of externally
applied loads. If stress build up in the structure is excessive, the fatigue life of the metal is considerably
reduced.
Thermal or Non-thermal
There are two major approaches to stress relieving; thermal and mechanical. A major difference between
the two is thermal treatment, which in addition to relieving stress, will also effect a metallurgical change
in the material, which is often unwanted. A postweld heat treatment entails uniform heating of the
weldments, holding at temperature, and then a carefully controlled cooling.
As the base metal becomes hotter, it becomes weaker. Once a certain temperature is reached, there is a
reduction in the material yield strength, and it is thereby relieved. The effect often visibly manifests itself
in the partial straightening of a distorted component.
For carbon and low alloy steels, stress relieving is commonly performed in the range of 570°C-760°C
although many specifications call for temperatures of up to 1050°C. The temperature at which stress relief
occurs varies from 100°C up to 500°C according to the particular metal concerned. In general the higher
the melting point, the higher is the temperature for stress relieving. The time at which the component is
held at temperature is dependant upon the thickness of the material and its chemical composition.
A commonly used method of stress relieving weldments is by postweld heat treatment its effectiveness is
dependant on the control exercised in bringing the component to temperature and then its subsequent
cooling. It therefore should only be performed by those knowledgeable in its application.
Shot Peening
Shot peening is a cold working method that reduces stress. Small round balls, or shot, are projected onto
the surface of the component. The shot imparts small indentations into the surface which induces a
compressive stress. The tensile residual stresses at the surface of the component must overcome the
compressive stress for a fatigue crack to initiate. If properly applied the compression works to counteract
the tensile stresses. Fatigue cracks have a low probability of developing in the shot peened area. Caution
must be taken to ensure the shot peening operation is performed with knowledge of its variables. There
are three important variables to control its application; surface compressive stress, maximum compressive
stress, and depth of compressive stress. The velocity of the shot is another controlling factor. If the
impingement of the shot is too deep, detrimental stresses may be induced negating the desired results.
Should you require further information regarding any of the afore mentioned processes or additional
technical reports please contact:
VSR(Africa)cc
PO Box 12272
Leraatsfontein
1038