The Compliance Method for Measurement of Near Surface Residual Stresses—Application and Validation for Surface Treatment by Laser and Shot-Peening

Residual stresses due to surface treatment are measured using the compliance method. The method makes use of the strains measured on the surface while a cut is extended progressively along a plane of interest. The experimental results for a shot peened specimen show good agreement with those obtained by the X-ray method. This experiment demonstrates that the compliance method is accurate and capable of measuring residual stresses which vary rapidly over a depth of less than 50 μm. Good general agreement with results by the X-ray method is also obtained for a laser treated specimen. Some advantages and disadvantages of the present method relative to hole-drilling, layer removal and X-ray methods are discussed.