Measurement of Residual Hoop Stresses in Cylinders Using the Compliance Method

A method is proposed for measurement of the hoop stress in an axisymmetric residual stress field in cylinders in which the axial stress is independent of the axial coordinate. The method involves measuring strains at the outside surface while an axial crack is cut progressively from the outside. Experimental results are presented for two short cylindrical rings cut from a long quenched cylinder. Good general agreement is obtained with X-ray and hole drilling measurements of residual stresses.