Utilizing neutron diffraction to non-destructively map residual stresses in welds at the newly upgraded HIDRA instrument

Studies utilizing neutron diffraction have been a consideration since the 1940s. Now they are relatively commonplace. Neutron diffraction has proven a valuable tool for materials characterization, specifically for the technique’s merits in residual stress mapping of welds. Neutron diffraction allows for non-destructive spatial characterization of residual stresses in engineering materials with deep penetration, as opposed to x-ray diffraction which can only characterize the surface stress state. However, neutrons are not a common laboratory tool, and require large user facilities to be operated and maintained. Recently the residual stress diffractometer at the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) underwent an upgrade. The new High Intensity Diffractometer for Residual stress Analysis (HIDRA) features will be detailed along with recent experiments on welding showing the new capabilities as well as experimental considerations for residual stress mapping using neutrons.