Ultrasonic inspection of a welded stainless steel pipe to evaluate residual stresses through thickness

This study investigates ultrasonic method in axial and hoop stress measurement through thickness of an austenitic stainless steel pipe. Longitudinal critically refracted (L_CR) waves are employed to measure the welding residual stresses while outer and inner surfaces of the pipe are inspected by using different frequency range of ultrasonic transducers. The acoustoelastic constant is measured on a plate with the same material and thickness of the investigated pipe to keep the pipe intact. Welding process of the pipe is simulated by a 3D finite element (FE) model which is validated by hole-drilling method performed on 25 points. The residual stresses calculated by FE simulation are then compared with those obtained from the ultrasonic measurement while a good agreement is observed. It is demonstrated that the residual stresses through thickness of the stainless steel pipe can be evaluated by combining FE and L_CR method (known as FEL_CR method).