Estimation of the residual stress field of laminated aeronautical parts to prevent distortion after machining

Abstract

The estimation of post-machining distortion of monolithic aeronautical parts induced by the redistribution of the bulk residual stresses (RS) during machining is one of the major challenges of aeronautical parts manufacturing. Since it is the main cause of thick parts post-machining distortion, it is essential to know the state of the initial RS so that the machining strategy can be modified to minimize distortion of each part. The problem is even more complex because the RS field is not identical from one part to another. Considering an average stress field provides satisfactory results only for parts with simple geometries and a highly repeatable manufacturing process, which is rarely the case in an industrial setting. By simulating the steps of the production of the laminated blank, the variability of RS field will be established. This variability can be used to determine the distribution of the RS field of each part during machining.