High Precision Strain Scanner Th. The neutron strain scanning technique is a non-destructive and powerful method for the spacially resolved determination of residual stresses in materials and mechanical components. The high penetration power of neutrons allows measurements in small samples and big components using a cube shaped gauge volume. No special sample treatment is necessary for the measurement, i.e. surface polishing essential for X-ray measurements. This makes the method applicable to a large variety of applications in materials science, in engineering and in industry.
Industrial users get important information to improve the quality and lifetime of components.
The demand for beam time at the D1A strain scanner has been rapidly increasing during the past 2 years and is still growing. The users come from applied research, but also with direct industrial applications. Very active are Italian groups who work on composite materials, quenching and automotive parts, and of course the many user groups from British Universities who work on composites, steel and welding processes. This year we have first proposals from Austrian Universities. They have good contacts with industry and other German research groups, and may attract more new German users.