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Engineering
Neutron Research can lead to more effectively and safely engineered materials, such as bridges, airplanes, and oil pipelines. |
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Neutron scattering has been used to determine how to best manufacture and weld piping materials for use in oil pipelines to reduce residual stresses and prevent cracking and oil leaks.
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Neutron scattering has
played an important role behind the scenes to protect
public safety and the environment as technology
forges ahead. Neutron scattering has guided improvements
to ensure that trains don't veer off tracks, wings
don't fall off airplanes, and pipelines don't corrode
enough to leak oil. Such failures are often caused
by internal stresses, which develop in a part during
the manufacturing process and can predispose materials
to cracking, wear, accelerated chemical attack,
and even failure brought on by externally imposed
stresses. Engineers want to know when failure is
likely to occur in a part and whether use of different
materials and manufacturing processes would produce
a part that will last longer. Neutron-scattering
results—combined with computer models— can provide
these answers.
The Corbin Bridge in Pennsylvania was the first to have an aluminum deck replacement (in 1996). Aluminum welds for such decks are being characterized by neutron scattering.
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The aluminum industry is interested
in building aluminum bridge decks that are as strong and corrosion resistant as
steel decks. Because aluminum decks are lighter than steel ones, less costly support
structures could be built. Also, the modular construction of aluminum decks will
make it easy to replace bridge parts. Scientists have developed ways to use neutrons
to study residual stresses in aluminum welds in aluminum bridge decks.
SNS research will allow engineers
to measure subtle structural details in small samples or in huge
engineering samples, such as earth-moving equipment. Such research will enable effective
measurements of residual stresses in composites—which are being used increasingly
to make cutting tools, aircraft structures, and engine parts—because they are
stronger and lighter than other materials.
To build a large engineering
marvel such as a safe, efficient turbine jet engine, it helps to understand how
metallic alloys in turbine blades behave under extreme stress at a microscopic
level. Engineers think big, but the success of their projects often depends on
insights into the small provided by neutrons.
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