Residual stress measurement in laser cladded rail utilizing neutron diffraction technique

The residual stress distribution of an excellent abrasion and corrosion resistant steel was evaluated to assess the potential of using laser cladding as a repair tool for rail track components. 410L steel powder was used to clad over a head treated rail steel substrate using a 4 kW IPG fibre laser. Pre-heating the substrate before cladding was investigated. Residual stress was measured by using neutron diffraction facility at the OPAL reactor, ANSTO (Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation). A new experimental method was developed to measure residual stress of a small area of interest in large thick component. Residual stress results showed a compressive residual stress at the top surface of virgin and cladded rail. Clad layer was characterised by compressive residual stress and HAZ was characterised by tensile residual stress. A beneficial compressive residual stress was found at the cladding-substrate interface.