An Instrument for Stress Measurement using Neutron Diffraction

An instrument for conducting neutron stress measurements is described. The instrument is designed to make depth profiling stress tensor measurements, studies of stress distributions through peak breadth analysis, measurements of small strains, and phase and texture studies. To achieve these objectives the instrument will be able to translate and orient small and large specimens, has a sophisticated specimen alignment capability, and can make measurements up to a diffraction angle of 130°. It employs focusing monochromators, a position-sensitive detector, a modular design with all components on air pads, a freestanding detector that can be decoupled for removal of the diffractometer and full translation and tilt capabilily for small or large specimens.