What Is the Total Stress in a Component?

The total stress experienced locally in a part is a summation of the residual stress and the externally applied stress. The residual stress could be of a similar magnitude to the applied stress, making a significant impact on the part during service.

TOTAL STRESS   =   RESIDUAL STRESS    +   APPLIED STRESS

How Compressive RS Helps Reduce Total Stress

Compressive residual stress (-)

Pushes the material together

Generally favorable

Can slow crack propagation, thus extending the life of the part

Can counteract applied tensile loads keeping a crack closed

Tensile residual stress (+)

Pulls the material apart

Generally not favorable

Can increase cracking