The inter-relationship between surface condition and near surface residual stresses in engineering components

Abstract

Supergen, Sustainable Power Generation and Supply, is an initiative lead and run by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council with the aim of improving the sustainability off the UK's power generation and supply along with improving emission targets. Part of the initiative has involved a research into conventional power plant lifetime extension in order to maintain reliability and availability of power. Integral to lifetime evaluation and extension is structural integrity assessment, which knowledge of residual stresses plays a major role. This thesis discusses research undertaken to improve and understand residual stress measurements for power plant components. This was done using non-destructive/non-invasive techniques, as these techniques can reduce the otherwise costly need for machine down-time and the stripping-down of components. In the present work, emphasis has been placed on the role of oxides and the associated residual stresses.

Date of Award	2008
Original language	English