Residual Stresses in Machined Surfaces

Abstract Experiments on measuring stresses in castings for precision equipment in the early 1930’s, led to an investigation of stresses formed by the cutting action. The stress-inducing effect of single-point tools working in steels with varying carbon content has been studied, and methods for computing the stresses induced have been developed. Highly concentrated stresses (up to 100,000 psi) are produced. In ductile materials, such as carbon steel, the stresses are, generally, tensile, in cast iron they are compressive. Methods of investigation are described and data are given for stresses produced in various materials, by various tools, and under various cutting conditions. The possible detrimental effects of the existence of these stresses are discussed.