Numerical analysis of welding residual stress and its verification using neutron diffraction measurement

Direct measurements and computed distributions of through-thickness residua l stress in a pipe butt-welded joint and a pipe socket-welded joint are com pared. The analytical evaluation methods used rt ere inherent strain analys is and thermal elastic-plastic analysis. The experimental methods were neut ron diffraction far the internal residual stress, and X-ray diffraction and strain-gauge measurement for the surface stress. The residual stress distr ibutions determined using these methods agreed well with each other both fo r internal stress and surface stress. The characteristics of the evaluation methods and the suitability of these methods for each particular welded ob ject to be evaluated are discussed.