Vibratory weld conditioning: Treatment of specimens during cooling

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the use of vibration to reduce the residual stress resulting from the welding process. Butt weld joints were subjected to vibration immediately after welding. While the specimens were cooling, vibration was applied to them over a specified range of temperatures. Three batches of specimens were processed in three temperature regions. The residual stresses were measured using an automated scanning X-ray diffractometer which provided detailed data over the area close to the weld and in the heat-affected zone. The residual stresses were found to be modified with an increase at some applied stress-temperature combinations and a decrease at others. With a suitable choice of vibratory treatment, welding stresses may be brought within desired design parameters.