Residual stress determination in a dissimilar weld overlay pipe by neutron diffraction

Residual stresses were determined through the thickness of a dissimilar weld overlay pipe using neutron diffraction. The specimen has a complex joining structure consisting of a ferritic steel (SA508), austenitic steel (F316L), Ni-based consumable (Alloy 182), and overlay of Ni-base superalloy (Alloy 52M). It simulates pressurized nozzle components, which have been a critical issue under the severe crack condition of nuclear power reactors. Two neutron diffractometers with different spatial resolutions have been utilized on the identical specimen for comparison. The macroscopic ‘stress-free’ lattice spacing (do) was also obtained from both using a 2-mm width comb-like coupon. The results show significant changes in residual stresses from tension (300–400 MPa) to compression (−600 MPa) through the thickness of the dissimilar weld overlay pipe specimen.