X-ray and neutron diffraction determination of residual stresses in a pressed and welded component

X-ray and neutron diffraction experiments have been carried out, in order t o determine the residual stress (RS) field in a pressed and welded mock-up of an engine support for motor-bike technology. Such investigation is sugge sted by the need to know the stress state of the component after forming an d welding. This allows to assess the quality of the first machining and fur ther to theoretically simulate its performances under operation. Results ar e presented below, showing a good agreement between x-ray and neutron diffr action experiments. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. AU rights reserved.