Modification of residual stress by post-weld vibration

Previous studies have suggested that welding residual stresses can be reduced by the application of controlled vibration. In the present study welded specimens were processed after being cooled to room temperature, with varying amplitude of applied stress and time of vibration. An increase in the applied stress led to a significant decrease in the residual stresses. The effect of time of vibration was found to be very small for a lower range of applied stresses (<230 MPa); an increase in the time of vibration had no influence on residual stresses. At higher applied stresses (>230 MPa), the residual stresses were found to redistribute with increasing time of vibration. It is shown that the energy concept of the vibratory stress relief mechanism was not validated.