In-Service Residual Stress Measurement Technique with Two-Dimensional X-ray Diffraction for Weld Metal in Structural Components

Abstract

As known as typical texture material with coarse grain, weld metal or its vicinity meets difficulties in residual stress measurement especially using sin 2 ψ method with conventional zero or one-dimensional X-ray diffraction. In this study a two-dimensional X-ray diffraction system based on cosα method is developed for in-service residual stress measurement of weld metal in structural components. Validity of residual stress measurement using this system is verified by several confirming tests including nickel-based weld metal. Positioning jig is designed and fabricated for welds on the shroud support plate of boiling water reactor (BWR). Setup test on the mock-up of BWR bottom area shows the possibility of in-service measurement using this system.