Residual stress

All forces that act on materials in absence of external solicitations, at uniform temperature conditions, are defined as residual stress forces.

Residual stress is pretty similar to a load stress: it means that the residual stress compromises materials structural and dimensional stability. In other words, it compounds the system behavior.
Residual stress gradually reduces load capacities and the safety of mechanical components during common operations; it is therefore clear that residual stress analysis is important in mechanical design engineering as it can prevent mechanical equipment failures.

Residual stress can be caused by:

• non-uniformity through the thickness of materials, due to heat treating during metal hardening
• non-uniform heating of metals during casting or cooling
• welding or forging processes
• machining
• reheating

SINT Technology is a laboratory specialized in measurement of residual stresses by
strain gage methods. Its most significant experience is in:

- Sachs’ boring-out method
- Layer removal
- Sectioning
- Ring core method
- Hole drilling method.