Optimization of Computer Controlled X-Ray Stress Analysis

Abstract

Summary For the determination of residual stress distributions the X-ray diffraction method is one method commonly used. The treatment of peak intensities in an automatically working computer controlled system can lead to specific difficulties. For this problem the application of the cross-correlation function for peak shift determination proves to be successful since certain advantages are given. The method was applied for residual stress determination in grinding. For the given material calibrations were performed to obtain the X-ray elastic constant. To improve the accuracy, the measuring parameters like step width and measuring time have been varied systematically for good optimization. In order to avoid a stepwise etching as it is necessary for analysing residual stresses as a function of depth beneath the specimen surface, the slope etching method which has already been applied in microhardness measurements is suggested also for the X-ray stress measurement. Some experimental results of stress distributions in flat ground 100 Cr 6 steel are given.