Introduction to Residual Stresses

Abstract

Residual stresses have been associated with humans ever since civilization began. The making of intricate clay components using fire in early days was actually an art that maintained the balance between reducing the residual stress gradient and achieving the desired shape of products. A stronger sword was often the result of a thin layer of compressive residual stress induced by repeated hammering at a controlled elevated temperature. Even today, the presence of residual stresses still dictates the design of many components, whether in a spacecraft or a tiny integrated circuit.