Flexible sample environment for high resolution neutron imaging at high temperatures in controlled atmosphere

Abstract

High material penetration by neutrons allows for experiments using sophisticated sample environments providing complex conditions. Thus, neutron imaging holds potential for performing in situ nondestructive measurements on large samples or even full technological systems, which are not possible with any other technique. This paper presents a new sample environment for in situ high resolution neutron imaging experiments at temperatures from room temperature up to 1100 °C and/or using controllable flow of reactive atmospheres. The design also offers the possibility to directly combine imaging with diffraction measurements. Design, special features, and specification of the furnace are described. In addition, examples of experiments successfully performed at various neutron facilities with the furnace, as well as examples of possible applications are presented. This covers a broad field of research from fundamental to technological investigations of various types of materials and components.

In situ time-of-flight neutron imaging of NiO–YSZ anode support reduction under influence of stress

“…The utilized sample environment, which is described by Makowska, Theil Kuhn et al (2015), was specifically designed for in situ high-resolution neutron imaging studies of processes requiring elevated temperature (up to 1373 K) and switching between various controlled atmospheres (in this case so-called safety gas, 9% H 2 with 91% N 2 , air and N 2 , but other gases can also be applied). This furnace also enables placing the sample in close proximity to the neutron detector, which is critical for achieving sufficient spatial resolution in a neutron imaging setup where finite beam divergence can blur the resulting image.…”

“…1c). A more detailed description of the sample holder is given by Makowska, Theil Kuhn et al (2015).…”

“…with respect to resolution in time and space. However, the recently developed and introduced neutron detection technology utilizing boron-doped microchannel plates (MCPs) together with the TimePix technology (Tremsin et al, 2011(Tremsin et al, , 2012(Tremsin et al, , 2013(Tremsin et al, , 2014) and a custom-designed sample environment (Makowska, Theil Kuhn et al, 2015) have created the opportunity for in situ energy-resolved neutron imaging of chemical processes like NiO-YSZ reduction.…”

In situdiagnostics of the crystal-growth process through neutron imaging: application to scintillators

“…The furnace itself was not custom-built for the present experiment but could be adapted for these proof-of-principle measurements. More details on the furnace structure can be found in the work of Makowska et al (2015). We must note that the lamp heater provides a strongly nonsymmetrical heating environment, leading to strong convection in the melt and to a non-homogeneous melting and solidification front.…”

In Situ Neutron Radiography Investigations of Hydrogen Related Processes in Zirconium Alloys

“…Neutron imaging is a powerful tool for the investigation of hydrogen in zirconium alloys because the macroscopic total neutron cross section of hydrides can be up to 2500% compared with one of the typical zirconium alloys applied as cladding material. Several groups worldwide applied neutron imaging for such investigations during the last years [4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14]. However, only few investigations were performed in situ.…”