Your browser doesn't support javascript. This means that the content or functionality of our website will be limited or unavailable. If you need more information about Vinnova, please contact us.

Non-destructive ultrasonic measurement of residual stress in metallic materials

Reference number
Coordinator SWERIM AB
Funding from Vinnova SEK 2 125 200
Project duration October 2022 - December 2024
Status Completed
Venture The strategic innovation programme for Metallic material
Call Springboard to the metallic materials of the future - Step 2

Important results from the project

Two ultrasonic methods were investigated to detect residual stress levels in metals: 1. Shear wave birefringence (with EMAT): A commercial electromagnetic ultrasonic probe was used in SSAB production and measured on over 2000 sheets. Despite limited statistical data, the device showed high potential to provide unique insights into the internal state of the plates. 2. Surface waves with laser ultrasound: This method successfully correlated surface residual stresses with surface wave properties.

Expected long term effects

The online residual stress measurements are expected to enable real-time monitoring and feedback to operators, which can lead to improved product quality, and with non-destructive quality control, the destructive testing can be reduced, leading to increased material yield. The laser ultrasonic measurements, which only take a few seconds, can lead to faster feedback on the manufacturing process, which is currently 10s of minutes. This means the possibility of better process control.

Approach and implementation

The project was implemented in five work packages as follows: WP1 Project coordination WP2 Experimental lab study WP3 Transient demonstrator WP4 On-line demonstrator at SSAB Oxelösund WP5 Plan for industrial implementation and dissemination of results The equipment took longer to obtain than expected, it also needed to be repaired at around halftime, which further delayed the online measurements. The collaboration between the research performers and the companies worked well.

The project description has been provided by the project members themselves and the text has not been looked at by our editors.

Last updated 3 February 2025

Reference number 2022-01586