The Contour Method for
Measuring Residual Stress

Measure full 2-D residual stress maps over a cross-section:

Principle: How does this method work?

Applications: Some examples of measuring residual stresses
              - To see the method validated, check out the weld plate, bent beam, and friction stir weld
              - See the validations page for a full list of published validation experiments.

Publications: Download detailed publications.

"Residual stresses in metals operate under a cloak of mystery, as they have neither been seen in the laboratory nor detected by means of the microscope. In spite of their phantom-like nature, they frequently exert metallurgical effects that cannot be ignored."
- Kent R. VanHorn, Director of Research, ALCOA, 1953, Journal of Metals, Vol. 197, pp 405-422.

(Background image on this page is 3D FEM from forging application. Graphic by Chris Brigman.)

Operated by Los Alamos National Security, LLC for the U.S. Department of Energy's NNSA
contact: Mike Prime at prime@lanl.gov | Copyright & Disclaimer
U.S. patent 6,470,756 | Last Modified: August 3, 2012