Measurement of residual stresses in polymeric parts by indentation method

An indentation method was studied as a means of measuring the residual stress in an injection molded polymeric specimen because destructive methods restrict the reuse of measured parts and it is not possible to apply them to small and complicated parts. The load-displacement curve was measured for indentation at stressed and non-stressed positions. Residual stress distribution of the injection molded part was calculated by comparing the load-displacement curve results with respect to the indentation depth. The residual stresses measured by the indentation method were reliable because they were in good agreement with numerical results and those measured by the hole drilling method. The indentation method can be utilized to measure the residual stresses in polymeric parts for practical applications, particularly for small or complicated parts.