The measurement of the axial internal stress in steel wire

Abstract

Apparatus is described for the measurement of the approximate axial internal stress distribution in wires typically 0·3–0·4 mm diameter. A sensitive optical system measures the change of length of the wire as its diameter is reduced at a rate of about 0·3 μm per minute by dissolution in 0·012 M nitric acid maintained at a constant temperature. The change of area of cross section of the wire is deduced from measurement of its electrical resistance. The adoption of a continuous thinning process makes it possible to measure the internal stress at the original wire surface. The method is not able to take account of the effect on the axial strain of the relief of circumferential and radial stresses. This leads to the axial stress being underestimated by about 30%. Internal stress measurements are reported on patented and drawn steel wire which confirm the wide range of internal stress intensity that can be generated in this material by changing and drawing conditions.