Diffraction-based residual stress analysis applied to problems in the aircraft industry

Abstract

Cost reduction and weight saving are most important principles governing design and construction of aircrafts. Advanced alloys and thermo-mechanical treatments as well as new and optimized production processes are being developed. For example, welding of fuselage components like stringers or clips made of Al alloys can have several advantages over riveting. Retention of optimum weld microstructure and properties as well as control of welding related residual stresses and distortion is essential. In the context of risk analysis and damage tolerance it will be of growing importance to study residual stress fields in weld configurations and their influence on fatigue crack propagation. In this paper, methods to evaluate residual stresses in turbine discs and laser welded Al joints are reviewed.