Patent ID: 6026687
Filing Date: 2000-02-22
Classification: G01H,G01M,G01N

Abstract:
A method of stress relieving a metal component in situ, the method comprising the steps of:a. providing said metal component in situ, arranged and configured with adjoining components and attaching a vibration means to a said metal component to provide a substantially direct vibration couple between the vibration means and the said metal component;b. actuating the vibration means through a predetermined range of vibration frequencies at a predetermined rate and at a constant input amplitude to locate and measure a resonance frequency of the said metal component;c. actuating the vibration means at above or below the measured resonance frequency for a predetermined period of time to relieve a degree of residual stress in the said metal component;d. repeating step b. to obtain a second measurement of the said resonance frequency;e. comparing the first and second measurements of the said resonance frequency to provide an indication of the change in residual stress in the said metal component; andf. repeating steps c., d. and e. until the change in the measured resonance frequency from one measurement to the next is at or below a predetermined level.