Practical Application of Residual Stress Measurements on Maritime Vessels

• Main Author: Whitley, Dixon T.
• Other Authors: Brewer, Luke
• Published: Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School 2012
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10945/7430

This thesis examines the practical application of portable X-ray diffraction to measure residual stresses on board active maritime platforms. These measurements will provide better understanding of structural failures in aluminum hulls and superstructures. The feasibility of this process was analyzed by comparing data from welded aluminum test samples using portable X-ray diffractometers from three different sources. The effects on residual stress from ultrasonic impact treatments were measured using laboratory X-ray diffraction. A comprehensive list of technical requirements for the purchase and deployment of a portable X-ray diffractometer was written. A case study for measurement of residual stresses on board a USN cruiser was developed.