A virtual laboratory for neutron and synchrotron strain scanning

Non-destructive bulk analysis of the Buggenum sword by neutron resonance capture analysis and neutron diffraction

“…The delta phase varies from 0 to 6.1 wt% and is much more pronounced in the mid-rib of the sword, with the exception of point 8 on the mid-rib (where the delta phase is missing), and on point 3 on the handle (where it has a strong presence). With respect to the blade of the sword, the tin contents on the edge (10,11,13,14) are observed slightly higher on the edge (12.5 wt%) compared to the centre of the mid-rib (11.9 wt%). This difference is not considered significant and might be due to the difficulties to fit the highly structured peaks measured in the mid-rib.…”

“…Fifteen analysis points were chosen (see Fig. 1b), inside the hilt (1-4), on the rivets (6, 7), inside the mid-rib of the blade (5,8,9,12,15), and on the edge of the blade (10,11,13,14). The collection time per point was about 30 min.…”

“…For effective alignment of the object a laser point cloud model, and from that a meshed model, of the outer dimensions of the sword was created using a robotic laser arm. The virtual laboratory software SScanSS [10] was used to select the analysis points inside the sword and to simulate the movements of the object on the instrument. Mounted on top of the moving system on ENGIN-X, the object was aligned by scanning several fiducial (marker) points on the aluminium frame with a laser touch probe.…”

Modern and Historical Engineering Components Investigated by Neutron Diffraction on ENGIN-X

“…To optimize strain scanning experiments ENGIN-X is equipped with virtual laboratory software named The Strain Scanning Simulation Software (SScanSS) [19,20]. The SScanSS software, which was developed by the Materials Engineering group at the Open University in close collaboration with the ENGIN-X instrument scientists, utilizes Virtual Reality (VR) computer techniques to provide tools for planning, optimizing and executing experiments.…”

“…Effective procedures to maximize the usable neutron measurement time are vital. To optimize strain scanning experiments on ENGIN-X where, in particular, the samples have a complex geometry, the virtual laboratory software, SScanSS (Strain Scanning Simulation Software) [19,20] was developed.…”