Rapid and nondestructive measurement system for welding resdiual stress by ultrasonic method

Traditional methods of residual stress measurement are generally destructive or semi-destructive, as well as expensive, time-consuming and complex to implement. With the new development of welded structure, traditional methods can not satisfy the need of full life task management. So the acoustical theory is introduced, since the ultrasonic technique provides a useful nondestructive tool in the evaluation of stresses. In this study an ultrasonic stress measurement experimental installation is established, which consists of a special transducer, a signal emission unit and a signal recipient processing unit. Longitudinal critically refracted wave is selected as the measurement wave mode. The supporting software is programmed by Labview software. The longitudinal residual stress and transverse residual stress of twin wire welded plate are measured by this installment, in which the measuring process is real-time, quick and nondestructive. The experiment results indicate that the system can satisfy the need of life evaluation for welded structure. The system is light and portable.