The optimization of the X-ray stress measurement condition on austenitic stainless tubes for electric power plants

Optimization of the rapid X-ray stress measurement method and its condition on large grain austenitic tube steel using a Kα line has been investigated. X-ray residual stress measurements were conducted using several Kα lines on several surface conditions of large grain austenitic tube steel. Using the VKα line, the measurement time can be reduced to one third compared to the CrKβ line. For a rapid measurement, a superimposing procedure of the X-ray diffraction profile from different incident beam angles (superimpose oscillation method) was also employed achieving a similar effect to that of incident beam oscillation. The best measurement condition was discussed using the above superimpose oscillation method that is an effective method for material with a large grain size.