Neutron Scattering User Facilities - A Materials Engineering Science Perspective

To the casual observer, neutron scattering may sound like a tool suited to physicists, and thus of little interest to students and early career professionals in metallurgy and materials science. The reality is quite different. In this presentation, I will discuss my 25-year career at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, swing examples of applications of neutron scattering to a range of materials science problems such as phase transformations, residual stress, and texture evolution. Neutron scattering provides a unique characterization well suited to many important materials including advanced structural alloys and energy storage materials. Because these measurement require high fluxes, the needed instruments are located at a few universities and national laboratories supporting either reactor or accelerator-based neutron sources. Such sources typically operate as User Facilities which provide research access for professionals in academia and industry, and also potential career paths in developing and supporting the complex and often unique instrumentation required to meet the needs of the materials science community.

The High Flux Isotope Reactor and Spallation Neutron Source are DOE Office of Science User Facilities operated by the Oak Ridge National Laboratory.