The beamline uses neutron diffraction to determine the spacing between layers of atoms in order to measure elastic strain, and thus residual stress deep within crystalline materials. In other words, it uses the atomic lattice planes as an 'atomic strain gauge'. Internal and residual stress in materials have a considerable effect on material properties, including fatigue resistance, fracture toughness and strength.
Applications
measurement of residual stress in engineering components
in situ studies of thermomechanical processing of engineering relevant materials
studies of displacive phase transformations under stress, temperature and electric field
rock deformation studies
non-destructive examination of manufacture processes in historical and archaeological artefacts
