Abstract: Measured and calculated residual stress distributions for a 2324 aluminum alloy plate in water quenched and T39 tempered states are presented by an improved approach, which is proposed by the authors. The relationship between the stress distribution present and effects of such factors is discussed. Comparison of the residual stress distributions shows that there is a maximum compressive stress in the center of the plate in T39 tempered state, contrary to that in the water quenched state where the residual stress is tensile and high. The effect of the residual stress in T39 temper results in a special cut face in the process of machine work.

Key words: aluminum alloys, heat treatment, residual stress