Measurement of Non-Uniform Residual Stresses Using the Hole-Drilling Method. Part II—Practical Application of the Integral Method

The Integral Method for calculating non-uniform residual stress fields using strain relaxation data from the incremental hole-drilling method is examined in detail. Finite element calculations are described which evaluate the calibration coefficients required for practical applications of the method. These calibration data are tabulated for a range of hole sizes and depths. It is found that the hole drilling method is not well adapted to measuring stresses remote from the surface, and a theoretical depth limit for stress measurements of 0.5 of the mean radius of the strain gauge rosette, rm, is identified. A practical depth limit is in the range 0.3–0.4 rm.