Searching for residual stress measurement methods for structural steel components

Abstract

Many of engineering graduates’ generic skills can only be developed by experiential learning. The main opportunity for acquiring these skills is the final thesis and this article focuses on some work carried out by students. In real metallic structures, residual stresses can reach or even exceed a material’s yield point. Many difficulties arise when assessing the residual stresses in a real structure. The main objective of this student work was to find the best non - destructive control method for residual stress from among the following methods: magnetic metal memory, ultrasonic wave propagation, X - Ray diffraction, neutron diffraction and hole drilling technique. Comparison of residual stress measurement methods allows the most suitable method for construction assembling sites to be determined. This experiential learnin g project has proven successful in its aims associated with practical skills and the use of modern measuring equipment, and proved to be an effective motivator for research - based projects.