Ultrasonic Evaluation of Welding Residual Stresses in Stainless Steel Pressure Vessel

Abstract

This paper investigates ultrasonic method in stress measurement of a pressure vessel made of austenitic stainless steel 304 L. Longitudinal critically refracted (LCR) waves are employed to measure the welding residual stresses. The acoustoelastic constant is measured through a hydro test while the pressure vessel is kept intact. Holedrilling method is used to verify the results of ultrasonic measurement corresponding to axial and hoop residual stresses of the pressure vessel. The results show good agreement between holedrilling and ultrasonic stress measurements which is accomplished nondestructively.