A perspective on residual stresses in welding

Welding induced residual stress occurs due to non-uniform simultaneous heating and cooling, local variation in shrinkage because of variable cooling rates in different regions of the weld, and strains associated with metallurgical phase transformations. The residual stress in a welded joint can augment the externally applied load and cause structural failure. Prediction and mitigation of residual stresses still remain important issues in welding. The purpose of this special issue of Science and Technology of Welding and Joining is to present recent research on calculation, measurement and alleviation of residual stresses in welding.