Papers by Author: Robert C. Wimpory

Abstract: The accurate determination of strain during measurement using neutron diffraction depends on many factors. The statistical uncertainty of the diffraction data is not always the most important contributor to the total uncertainty in the measured strain. Other contributors, such as sample positioning, size and shape of the sampling (gauge) volume and the size and distribution of grains within the sampling volume, often play an important role as well. Grain size issues have been the least studied and their impact is often ignored even though the potential uncertainty contribution can be large. Certain methods such as oscillating the sample during measurement can help in reducing the magnitude of the grain size effect and hence also that of the related uncertainty contribution. A thorough characterization of uncertainties due to grain size effects however, in terms of absolute values that should be added to the statistical peak fitting uncertainties has not yet been implemented. This paper will present an improved method to characterize and estimate absolute uncertainty values due to grain size effects.

Abstract: All aspects of instrument control, data acquisition, simulation and analysis are expected to merge in the future. For instance real time data analysis will feed back influencing the instrument control in order to optimize the measurement time and simulations themselves will control the instrument. This presentation will discuss how the all-important pre-planning of a measurement can be optimized and used to define the whole measurement, efficiently and effectively using the neutron beamtime.

Abstract: A simulation of realistic samples within a neutron scattering or imaging experiment has been created in order to support the accuracy, feasibility and analysis of residual stress measurements as well as the development of novel experimental methods and instrument components. Covering the influences of individual neutron instrument parameters, the simulation also assists in optimizing the experimental configuration towards precise measurements and effective usage of neutron beamtime.

Abstract: Starting during the shut-down of the HZB research reactor BER-II in 2011/2012 the E3 residual stress and texture diffractometer in Berlin underwent a comprehensive upgrade. The investments were broken down into different criteria, such as enhancing the instrument performance and accuracy as well as extending the range of applications for the user community. Here, we report about the gains achieved after integrating and commissioning the individual hardware and software tools included in the upgrade project, namely a motorized primary slit to accurately adjust the gauge volume, a secondary optics radial collimator and a laser scanner to precisely and quickly align the sample. The integration of the presented devices is further supported by software developments to shorten the instrument alignment procedure and measurement time. The upgrade has improved the efficiency of the available neutron beamtime.

Abstract: The engineering neutron diffractometer E3 at Helmholtz Centre Berlin is constantly being upgraded. Since the installation of a new monochromator in 2007, the instrument has become much faster and more attractive for the user community. Here, the continuation of the upgrade activities, including a radial oscillating collimator, a new slit system and further advantageous tools to improve the performance on E3, is presented.

Abstract: Residual stress depth profiling can be performed by means of non-destructive diffraction methods as well as semi destructive mechanical techniques like the hole drilling method. By none of these methods is it possible to cover the complete depth range being affected by residual stress fields which extend from the surface into the volume of the material. In this paper it is demonstrated that the combined application of surface sensitive X-ray methods and neutron diffraction used normally for bulk stress analysis allows for the study of residual stress gradients generated by mechanical surface treatment. Furthermore, it is shown that the hole drilling method can bridge the information gap between X-ray and neutron diffraction.

Abstract: For non destructive stress analysis of surface treated steel samples the application of laboratory X rays or high energy synchrotron radiation in reflection mode covers the region from some micrometers up to a depth of about 150 - 200 µm. To access depth regions deeper than 200 µm the incremental layer removal technique in combination with the repeated application of X‑ray stress analysis for the newly generated surfaces can be used. However, this procedure is destructive, laborious and furthermore, it has to be checked whether corrections have to be applied due to stress relaxation. By using neutron radiation penetration depths generally up to several millimetres can be achieved non destructively [1]. However neutron measurements are critical at the surface. When scanning a sample surface, aberration peak shifts caused by so called spurious strains arise due to the fact that the gauge volume defined by the primary and secondary optics is partially outside of the sample. These aberration peak shifts can be of the same order of magnitude as the peak shifts related to residual strains [2-6]. In this exemplary study it will be demonstrated that, by optimising the bending radius of a Si (400) monochromator, the spurious surface strains can be strongly reduced when compared to the values obtained with a traditional Ge (311) mosaic monochromator, even when the gauge volume is mainly out of the surface. The objective of the experiments is to find the optimal monochromator settings for the Si (400) monochromator at the STRESS-SPEC instrument at the research reactor FRM II, Munich, Germany. For the parametric studies a stress free steel sample of the fine grained construction steel, S690QL was used. The optimised conditions for the Si (400) monochromator that resulted from the systematic studies were applied to a shot peened plate of steel SAE 4140. The residual stress distribution is analysed by means of through surface strain scanning. The residual stress gradient obtained is in very good agreement with the well characterised residual stress depth profile obtained within a round robin test in the scope of the BRITE-EURAM-project ENSPED (European Network of Surface and Prestress Engineering and Design) [7]. The results indicated that surface residual stress profiles can be measured with neutrons up to 200 µm underneath the surface without time consuming and laborious surface effect corrections.

Abstract: Neutron diffractometer Engin-X at ISIS was used use in this study to investigate the residual stresses in a section of a multi-pass girth welded thick pipe, of nominal thickness 62 mm, which was made of a ferritic-martensitic steel denoted type P92. Measurements in such large component sections are rare, and have driven the neutron diffraction method to the edge of its capabilities. Significant stresses of over 150 MPa have been found in this pipe section, though post weld heat treatment has been performed. The influences of these welding residual stresses in components at operating temperatures are discussed in terms of their relaxation and high temperature fracture behaviour.

Abstract: The present work has been executed within the framework of the collaborative research center on Distortion Engineering (SFB 570) in order to evaluate the residual stress state of a disc after carburizing and quenching as well as to validate a simulation procedure. The combined use of X-ray and neutron diffraction analysis provided information about the residual stress states in the whole cross section. However, the stress free lattice spacing d0 for the neutron diffraction experiments is problematic and induces systematic uncertainties in the results and the application of a force balance condition to recalculate d0 might be a solution for improving the reliability of the results. Comparison of experimental results with simulation showed that an overall satisfying agreement is reached but discrepancies are still present.

Abstract: Up to now the tendency in residual stress determination (using neutron diffraction) has been to assess the uncertainties in terms of the propagation of ‘fitting uncertainty’ of the Bragg peaks only. There are many other sources of uncertainty, some more obvious than others, that should be taken into account or at least be considered in terms of their impact when interpreting the data. These cover not just the instrument calibration and characteristics and the technique itself but also the properties of the sample. A discussion of how best to combine the uncertainty of all contributing factors will be made. These factors (on the sample side) will include variations in chemical composition, grain size related problems, surfaces/interfaces cutting through the sampling volume, texture variations within the sampling volume, presence of intergranular strains (plastic anisotropy) etc. The knowledge of appropriate elastic constants, for example, and their uncertainty is necessary for a more reliable stress determination. One should also be aware of the more subtle influences on the elastic constants such as texture or chemical variation. This should be a step in the right direction for a ‘unified uncertainty analysis’ covering all possible aspects of uncertainty in residual stress determination using neutron diffraction.