Strain measurement in individual phases of an Al/TiC composite during mechanical loading

Abstract

Neutron diffraction provides a unique method for examining materials during thermo-mechanical loading because it is nondestructive and penetrating and can distinguish between the strains in individual phases. Using a pulsed neutron source, all lattice reflections are recorded in all constituents simultaneously. Preliminary in-situ strain measurements under- load of an aluminum/titanium carbide composite are presented here. The measurements were made using a compact stress rig on the neutron powder diffractometer at the Manuel Lujan Jr. Neutron Scattering Center at Los Alamos National Laboratory.