Stress Analysis by X-Ray Diffraction

Abstract

A mathematical analysis is presented for the problem of determining stresses in a metal by x‐ray diffraction. The treatment is a general one, including as special cases the various methods for the determination of uniaxial stresses or the sum of two principal stresses in the plane of the metal surface. The analysis is extended to the problem of determining the two principal surface stresses individually. Methods are proposed by which these stresses may be determined with an accuracy calculated to be of the order of 1300 lbs./in.2 for iron and 320 lbs./in.2 for duralumin, under the best conditions. Camera design, exposure technique, and the applicability of the method to practical problems are discussed.