Uncertainty analysis for non-uniform residual stresses determined by the hole drilling strain gauge method

Due to its simplicity and low cost, the hole drilling strain gauge method is one of the most popular techniques to determine residual stresses. The Standard ASTM E837-13 distinguish between constant and variable stresses in depth. Each type of measurement has an associated uncertainty. The goal should be the quantification and reduction in its magnitude to be acceptable for the purposes of the measurement. Uncertainty estimation associated with this method has not been addressed in depth. The present work deals with uncertainty calculation in the determination of non-uniform residual stresses by the integral method. A general estimation procedure by Monte Carlo method, where many uncertainty sources have been considered, is presented. In normal experiment condition, most of these sources are significant and the irrelevant ones have been identified. Monte Carlo method verifies that a measurement uncertainty evaluation with the GUM uncertainty framework can be performed. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.