Influence of Drilling Parameters on the Accuracy of Hole-drilling Residual Stress Measurements

Multiple measurements using the hole drilling method were made in samples with a “known” state of residual stress. Drilling parameters were independently varied (bit rotation speed, bit diameter, and hole depth) to determine the effect on accuracy and repeatability. The study showed that accurate results can be achieved without ultra-high drill rotation speeds and that, in aluminum and stainless steel, speeds over 5 krpm and 10 krpm (respectively) were sufficient. Inaccuracies were evident in the stainless steel at speeds below 10 krpm and were attributed to non-circular holes, which may have been the result of bit vibration. There were no significant trends associated with altering the hole depth and only a slight trend associated with bit diameter variation.