Experimental determination of stress intensity factors due to residual stresses

An experimental method is presented that enables stress intensity factors due to residual stress to be determined directly, without prior determination of the residual stress. The method is based on the crack compliance method, where a narrow cut is introduced progressively into the considered component, and the resulting strain change is measured by a strain gage. The required mathematical relations to determine stress intensity factors from strain measurements are established by means of some basic relations of linear elastic fracture mechanics. They are derived explicitly for two exemplary geometrical systems, which allowed for analytical treatment. Experimental data obtained in the case of a steel roller are presented and discussed.