Residual Stresses in Cold‐Bent Thick Steel Plates

An experimental investigation of the residual stresses in severely cold‐bent thick high‐strength steel plates is presented. Both the sectioning and the hole‐drilling methods are used for residual stress measurement; the two sets of results are found to be in good agreement. Tension residual stresses on the inside surface of the bend range from 46% to 92% of the yield stress of the material. In addition, residual stresses through the plate thickness are measured using the sectioning method. A zigzag‐type residual stress distribution pattern through the plate thickness is observed. The test results are then compared to the values predicted by equations proposed by Dat in 1980. The cold‐bending behavior of the thick steel plates is also studied and the results are presented in a companion paper.