The Generation of Residual Stress in S355J2N Structure Steel and Its Influence on Mechanical Properties

Residual stress is stress that exist after all loads been removed in various manufacturing processes. Residual stress has a significant effect on the mechanical properties so that one should consider different strength values higher than the reference strength values. In this study, S355J2N quality material with thickness of 6 mm was welded according to EN standards in order to determine the effect of residual stress caused by welding on mechanical properties. All welding parameters were kept under control and MAG welding method was used as a method. In this way, residual stress is formed in a controlled manner of welding. Samples were examined using non-destructive testing methods after welding to observe the planar and volumetric defects formed during the welding, which may increase residual stress. Then, the defect free samples were examined through destructive inspection methods and their mechanical properties were determined. The effect of the residual stress on the mechanical properties was measured by comparing the mechanical properties of the main material to the mechanical properties of the material including residual stress