Residual stress evaluation of a cold-rolled steel strip using X-rays and a layer removal technique

Abstract Interplanar spacing D {hkl} vs. sin 2 ψ distributions were measured on the surface of a cold-rolled steel strip with Cr Kα radiation for the {211} reflection and with Mo Kα radiation for the {631}, {732 + 651} and {721 + 633 + 552} reflections. Additional measurements were performed for the {211} and {732 + 651} reflections after the sample had been progressively thinned down by electrochemical etching. Except for the {732 + 651} reflection, all D vs. sin 2 ψ curves were found to be non-linear. The residual macrostresses were evaluated from the deflection of stepwise and of continuously etched specimens. By comparison of these results with the X-ray data and with the results of a neutron diffraction study on an equivalent sample the distribution of the residual microstresses could be determined. Conclusions are drawn for the determination of residual stresses in textured materials by X-ray diffraction.