Application of high-energy synchrotron radiation for texture studies

A novel experimental technique that employs high-energy synchrotron radiati on is used for the investigation of through-thickness texture gradients in two aluminium plates, cold-rolled 40% with either intermediate or small dra ughts. in these two plates, crystallographic textures are inspected in a la rge number of lavers. Texture maps of pole densities throughout the sample thickness are presented. A texture of the rolling type is developed through the plate thickness after intermediate draught rolling. Pronounced inhomog eneities associated with the shear texture are observed in the sample relie d with small draughts. For selected layers, direct pole figures are compare d with those obtained by traditional low-energy X-ray diffraction and by th e electron backscattering pattern technique using a scanning electron micro scope. A good qualitative agreement between textures measured using the thr ee different techniques is obtained. Experimental aspects and potentials of the new technique are discussed. (C) 2000 International Union of Crystallo graphy Printed in Great Britain - all rights reserved.