Determination of residual stresses in materials and industrial components by neutron diffraction

We present a review of the determination of residual stresses in materials and components of industrial interest by using the non-destructive techniqu e of neutron diffraction. The fundamental aspects are discussed, together w ith a brief description of the experimental facilities. Several experimenta l results are then reported, particularly concerning applications to materi als and components for power plants (CrMo steel, AISI304 stainless steel an d 2.25Cr1Mo ferritic steel), aerospace and automotive technology (Al alloys , metal matrix composites, nickel superalloy gas-turbine components) and fu sion-reactor technology (AISI316L for the first wall). A few thermomechanic al treatments are considered, such as welding, cold-expanded holes, thermoe lastic coupling acid thermal and mechanical fatigue. Moreover, a few applic ations to general industrial problems are shown, namely brazed ceramic-stee l components, coatings and fatigue-cracked samples. In some cases, experime ntal results are compared with numerical models or results from x-ray diffr action measurements.