Determination of Directional Residual Stresses by the Contour Method

This study evaluated residual stresses in heat-treated specimens made of 316L stainless steel using FE analysis and compared them with stresses determined by the contour method. Contour method is usually used just for evaluation of residual stresses that are normal to the cut plan. In the current study this approach is extended and both normal and tangential stresses are determined. The specimens were cut using wire electrical discharge machine and the contours of the cut were measured using a coordinate measuring machine. The prior treatment of the specimens was simulated using the finite-element method. An appropriate boundary condition and temperature-dependent material model were employed. The finite-element model was validated against neutron-diffraction measurement data. The results showed a good agreement in normal and tangential directions of stress.