Variation of the Vibrational Treatment on Mechanical Properties and Weld Residual Stress

Abstract There are several ways to relieve welding residual stresses. The most commonly used and the only standardized method is the post weld heat treatment. However, this method is time-consuming and costly, which necessitates exploring other approaches that can ensure satisfactory results in a faster and more economical manner. In this context, relief of residual stresses through vibration has been gradually adopted by the industry. Therefore, this study aims to relieve welding residual stresses in thick plates to evaluate whether the position of the excitation source, whether parallel or coincident with the welded plates, influences the expected results. Additionally, it seeks to determine whether the best results are obtained when vibration stress relief is performed simultaneously with welding or after the completion of the process. Furthermore, the results of residual stress measurements using the blind-hole method are provided, and mechanical tests are conducted to determine the influence of these processes on mechanical properties. The results indicated that vibration performed after welding is more efficient and the position of the vibration motor has a significant influence on the results. Furthermore, it was observed that the stress relief process only impacted toughness, without significantly altering other mechanical properties.