Investigation of the Effect of Vibration Stress Relief Method on Fatigue Life of Welded Joints Working Under Heavy and Variable Loads
AbstractIn this study, Vibration Stress Relief (VSR) method which promises to reduce residual stresses in welded parts with applying mechanical vibrations was investigated. Mechanical properties’ differences were compared between vibration stress relief welded parts and non-stress relief welded parts which were S355J2 (St52-3) steel, widely used in the industry. Firstly, tensile tests were carried out and then hardness measurements were accomplished. To investigate the effects of residual stresses on fatigue life, residual stress changes of front and back of the welded plates were measured. Finally, three point fatigue tests were performed to investigate effectiveness of VSR in terms of the fatigue life. It was obtained that tensile strength and fatigue life increased with the decrease of residual stresses after applying the VSR method.