Residual stresses in unstiffened plate specimens

Rectangular plate specimens have been prepared for testing in a rig that provides simple support to three sides, leaving the remaining (longitudinal) edge free. In many applications such plate elements exist as flange outstands in thin-walled sections whose fabrication process involves welding and possibly flame cutting. In order to accurately predict the behavior of unstiffened elements in this condition, equivalent residual stress profiles must be induced in the plate specimens prior to testing. Details of the processes involved in inducing and measuring residual stresses in the plate specimens are presented. Previously developed models relating voltage, current and arc speed to the stress induced, as a function of plate width are extended, such that residual stress magnitudes and gradients can be predicted that approximate those in the flange outstand of fabricated sections.