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The Contour Method for
Measuring Residual Stress

  
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Principle
   - make cut
   - measure surface
   - calculate stress
Validationsnew
Applications
   - bent beam
   - weld plate
   - quenched steel
   - impacted plate
   - alum. forging
   - friction stir weld
   - Ti FSW
Publications
More info
 
Residual Stress
Conferences		 Vertical Linetransparent spacer

A new page on validations describes 18 publications in which the contour method has been compared against independent measurements. NEW

newThis paper has some nice discussions on mechanics and the assumptions for the contour method:
download preprint M. B. Prime, "The Contour Method: A New Approach in Experimental Mechanics" Proceedings of the SEM Annual Conference, June 1-4, 2009, Albuquerque, NM, USA, paper number 156. (LA-UR-09-1497).

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

Stresses in friction stir welded Titanium
stresses in compressed forging
residual stress map in friction stir weld
bent beam measurements
stresses after impact
quenched steel plate stresses
weld plate measurements

 

principle Principle: How does this method work?

applications Applications: Some examples of measuring residual stresses
              To see the method validated, check out the weld plate, bent beam, and friction stir weld

downloadable publications Publications: Download detailed publications.

Hill Engineering is now licensed to perform contour method measurements.

"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.)

 

  
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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: June 11, 2009

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