Analysing the texture of superalloys produced by additive manufacturing
Neutron diffraction reveals how the microstructure of nickel superalloy specimens are affected by the additive manufacturing parameters.
Materials & Components
Optimising car brakes
Researchers at PSI have joined forces with employees of the technology transfer centre, ANAXAM, and the industrial partner Audi Sport to shed light on a potential sticking point: they have used neutrons to examine a brake calliper in action and reveal ways of optimising it.
Using SANS to study super duplex stainless steel
A study of phase separation in super duplex stainless steel could help to develop future alloys that are less susceptible to long-term thermal degradation
Composition of stainless steel bolts assessed using neutrons
Bumax is a Swedish manufacturer of premium-brand high strength stainless steel fasteners, designed for extreme environments. A number of different materials are used to produce A4-grade stainless steel, including Bumax-88.
Pressure and heat: Testing alloys for gas turbines
VDM Metals is a high-performance metal provider. In the HiMat project,1 together with the Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), VDM tested its VDM® Alloy 780 using a specially developed testing machine at the Research Neutron Source, Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Zentrum (FRM II).
Neutrons detect clogs in pipelines
Industry and private consumers alike depend on oil and gas pipes that stretch thousands of kilometers underwater. However, it is not uncommon for pipelines to become clogged. With collaborators at the Research Neutron Source FRM II and the consulting company, Science S.A.V.E.D, scientists from TechnipFMC (a company specialising in subsea pipelines) demonstrated that neutrons are an ideal probe to locate blockages in underwater pipes.
Using neutrons to study cemented carbides for cutting inserts
Swedish company Sandvik Coromant produces the latest cutting tools and inserts using pressed powder materials, like cemented carbides, which are sintered to make them into a very hard material.
Neutron diffraction enables wing quality to soar for Airbus
Airbus, a global leader in the aerospace sector, accessed STFC facilities and expertise to assure weld quality in welded aluminium alloys used in aircraft components, and to develop manufacturing techniques.
Exploring engine components to develop more durable, fuel-efficient lubricants
Infineum UK Ltd and Finden Ltd, in collaboration, have taken advantage of the Science and Technology Facilities Council’s (STFC) ISIS Neutron and Muon Source to better understand organic deposits from lubricants in engine components.
