Microstrain characterization of metals using high-resolution neutron diffraction

Abstract

Two neutron diffraction arrangements were used for the investigation of residual microstrains in metals. A high instrumental resolution was reached exploiting the neutron-optical properties of bent perfect Si crystals; Δd/ d = 2.6 × 10 −3 for the three-axis arrangement and Δd/ d = 8 × 10 −4 in the case of energy-dispersive transmission diffraction geometry. Low-carbon steel subjected to small tensile prestrains was tested by using both instruments. Microstrain distribution was deduced from the width and shape of Bragg diffraction peaks and edges, respectively.