Practical Applications of Residual Stress Measurement in Aerospace Materials, Structures, and Propulsion Components via X-ray Diffraction

Residual stress (RS) is an important factor to be considered in the design, fabrication, and performance specifications of failure critical -structural and propulsion- aerospace components. A priori knowledge of the RS state of a component can help engineers better understand its fatigue life, its tolerance to damage, and other stress-related issues. Moreover, to take advantage and full credit for engineered residual stresses, well-established accurate measurement methodologies are required. Among the several complimentary RS measurement methods available today, X-ray diffraction (XRD) methods offer aerospace engineers specific advantages not available in any other RS measurement method, thus the widespread use of XRD in aerospace, automotive, power-generation, and other industries. The following presentation will highlight some of the advantages of the XRD method, and demonstrate examples of XRD techniques applied to failure critical -structural and propulsion- aerospace components in the lab, on the shop floor, and in the field.

Relevance: This presentation will convey the actual state-of-the-art in XRD RS technologies and illustrate examples of successful applications of XRD RS measurement with the goal of helping engineers fully appreciate its potential in addressing their RS related challenges.