Investigation of the Potential for Residual Stress Measurements During SubmarineHull Fabrication

摘要

In this technical report the suitability of resistive strain sensors wasevaluated with particular reference to the monitoring of residual stresses during welding construction of submarine pressure hull and during seabound operation of a submarine. Adhesively bonded and weldable strain gauges were tested in the laboratory for suitable characteristics and against specific requirements. The requirements were (a) ease of installation (b) survivability in high temperature environment (c) reliability in gauge signal and (d) ease of instrumentation to data logging system and calibration. Experiments which were designed to evaluate these requirements are described. The characteristics and fundamentals of the adhesive and weldable gauges explored during these experiments are discussed. Quantitative data in terms of strain gauge signal were determined following each stage of experimentation. The magnitude of strain gauge signal, when converted to equivalent stress units, provided an accurate measure of stress levels in the test plate. The results indicate that it is possible to implement structural monitoring starting from welding fabrication to service operation for the Collins Class submarine using resistive strain gauges. Stress measurements, Strain gauges, Welding construction.