Investigation of the coupled distribution of initial and machining-induced residual stress on the surface of thin-walled parts

Residual stress on the machined surface and the subsurface is known to influence the distortion of thin-walled parts. Therefore, it is essential to predict the distribution of surface residual stress accurately. In this paper, the coupled distribution law of initial residual stress and machining-induced residual stress is investigated. Firstly, a model with initial residual stress is established and incorporated into thermal mechanical coupled finite element model of 2-D cutting. Then, a tensile fixture is designed to impose initial stress into a thin-walled part of Al-6061, and cutting experiments are carried out. The residual stress distribution is measured by X-ray diffraction/electropolishing method. The results of experiments and simulation show that in the plastic deformation zone, the initial residual stress has no significant influence on the distribution of the machining-induced residual stress. In the elastic deformation zone, the stress that linear grows along depth from zero to initial residual stress is superimposed on machining-induced residual stress. The mathematical model of stress coupling distribution on the surface of thin-walled parts is established by numerical method. Finally, it is found that the effect of coupled stress distribution on distortion is more significant with the decrease of thickness (from 3 to 0.5 mm) of the thin-walled parts.