Nondestructive Testing and Characterization of Residual Stress Field Using an Ultrasonic Method

To address the difficulty in testing and calibrating the stress gradient in the depth direction of mechanical components, a new technology of nondestructive testing and characterization of the residual stress gradient field by ultrasonic method is proposed based on acoustoelasticity theory. By carrying out theoretical analysis, the sensitivity coefficients of different types of ultrasonic are obtained by taking the low carbon steel（12%C） as a research object. By fixing the interval distance between sending and receiving transducers, the mathematical expressions of the change of stress and the variation of time are established. To design one sending-one receiving and oblique incidence ultrasonic detection probes, according to Snell law, the critically refracted longitudinal wave（LCR wave） is excited at a certain depth of the fixed distance of the tested components. Then, the relationship between the depth of LCR wave detection and the center frequency of the probe in Q235 steel is obtained through experimental study. To detect the stress gradient in the depth direction, a stress gradient LCR wave detection model is established, through which the stress gradient formula is derived by the relationship between center frequency and detecting depth. A C-shaped stress specimen of Q235 steel is designed to conduct stress loading tests, and the stress is measured with the five group probes at different center frequencies. The accuracy of ultrasonic testing is verified by X-ray stress analyzer. The stress value of each specific depth is calculated using the stress gradient formula. Accordingly, the ultrasonic characterization of residual stress field is realized. Characterization results show that the stress gradient distribution is consistent with the simulation in ANSYS. The new technology can be widely applied in the detection of the residual stress gradient field caused by mechanical processing, such as welding and shot peening.

Characteristics of orthorhombic anisotropic seismic response induced by horizontal in situ stress in vertical transversely isotropic media

Sedimentary strata typically exhibit the characteristics of transverse isotropy(VTI)with a vertical axis of symmetry.However,fractures in sedimentary strata tend to produce anisotropic closure due to horizontal in situ stress,resulting in pronounced orthorhombic anisotropy in VTI media under such stress conditions and influencing the propagation behavior of seismic waves.Previous studies have primarily focused on the elastic wave velocity anisotropy induced by applied stress in isotropic background media,neglecting the impact of VTI background media on the anisotropy induced by horizontal in situ stress and the response characteristics of seismic wave propagation.To address these gaps,we first establish the effective elastic stiffness tensor of VTI media under horizontal in situ stress using nonlinear acoustoelastic theory.Then,we derive the accurate and linearized approximate equations for P-wave seismic reflectivity of VTI media under horizontal in situ stress,based on wave equations and scattering theory,respectively.Finally,we compare and analyze the characteristics of orthorhombic anisotropic seismic response induced by horizontal in situ stress at various types of elastic reflection interfaces.Our results demonstrate that the linearized approximation of the seismic reflection response characteristics closely aligns with the accurate equations under conditions of small stress below 10 MPa,effectively capturing the azimuth-dependent orthorhombic anisotropy induced by horizontal in situ stress in VTI media.The results of this study also provide a novel theoretical approach and valuable insights into the seismic prediction of in situ stress.

Ultrasonic measurement of tie-bar stress for die-casting machine

In die casting,the real-time measurement of the stress of the tie-bar helps ensure product quality and protect the machine itself.However,the traditional magnetic-attached strain gauge is installed in the mold and product operating area,which hinders the loading and unloading of the mold and the collection of die castings.In this paper,a method for real-time measurement of stress using ultrasonic technology is proposed.The stress variation of the tie-bar is analyzed,and a mathematical model between ultrasonic signal and stress based on acoustoelastic theory is established.Verification experiments show that the proposed method agrees with the strain gauge,and the maximum of the difference square is only 1.5678(MPa)2.Furthermore,single-factor experiments are conducted.A higher ultrasonic frequency produces a better measurement accuracy,and the mean of difference squares at 2.5 and 5 MHz are 2.3234 and 0.6733(MPa)_(2),respectively.Measurement accuracy is insensitive to probe location and tonnage of the die-casting machine.Moreover,the ultrasonic measurement method can be used to monitor clamping health status and inspect the dynamic pulling force of the tie-bar.This approach has the advantages of high precision,high repeatability,easy installation,and noninterference,which helps guide the production in die casting.