Applications of Residual Stress-Strain Mapping in Engineering & Materials Science

Engineering & Materials Science

Structure and structural changes on the atomic and microstructure level
Strain distribution and texture development
Cracks and voids, static or in situ during loading
Phase transitions
Re-crystallisation

Imaging

3D radiographic high resolution imaging of components and materials
Foams
Composite material
Metallic foams
Composites
Casts

Chemical Engineering

Investigation of processes inside reaction vessels, e.g. molten salts in a furnace
In situ electrochemical processing
Imaging of flow
Powder flow processes and compaction
Mixing in complex fluids

Biomedical Imaging

3D quantification of mineral contents in bone and teeth
Mechanical behaviour of biomaterials under load, e.g. bone
Interface structure between implant tissue

Residual stress-strain case studies

Oxford - Stresses in Steel

A collaboration between the University of Oxford, the University of Sheffield, and Diamond Light Source used X-ray diffraction on beamline I12 to study how steel behaves under biaxial stress during car manufacturing. The findings validate theoretical models and support the development of stronger, more formable alloys.

Luxfer - strain in gas cylinders

Luxfer Gas Cylinders, in collaboration with the University of Southampton and Diamond Light Source, used energy dispersive X-ray diffraction on beamline I12 to non-destructively measure stress in breathing apparatus cylinders. The study supports safer, lighter, and more efficient life-support systems.

Related techniques

X-ray Diffraction (XRD)

Small Molecule X-ray Crystallography

X-ray Pair Distribution Function (PDF)

Applications of residual stress-strain mapping