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Stress testing and relieving method and apparatus

  • US 6,026,687 A
  • Filed: 01/09/1998
  • Issued: 02/22/2000
  • Est. Priority Date: 07/14/1995
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A method of stress relieving a metal component in situ, the method comprising the steps of:

  • a. providing said metal component in situ, arranged and configured with adjoining components and attaching a vibration means to a said metal component to provide a substantially direct vibration couple between the vibration means and the said metal component;

    b. actuating the vibration means through a predetermined range of vibration frequencies at a predetermined rate and at a constant input amplitude to locate and measure a resonance frequency of the said metal component;

    c. actuating the vibration means at above or below the measured resonance frequency for a predetermined period of time to relieve a degree of residual stress in the said metal component;

    d. repeating step b. to obtain a second measurement of the said resonance frequency;

    e. comparing the first and second measurements of the said resonance frequency to provide an indication of the change in residual stress in the said metal component; and

    f. repeating steps c., d. and e. until the change in the measured resonance frequency from one measurement to the next is at or below a predetermined level.

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