Neutron and synchrotron research infrastructures are a powerful tool for innovation, however, they are complex to use. To develop streamlining methodologies, NEXT organises the research in themes, reflecting real-world industrial challenges when using LSIs in materials research and innovation. We call these themes Archetypal Characterisation Challenges (ACCs).
The point of departure for this centre's work is sustainable industrial transition challenges. Industry challenges will be solved in projects that use large scale neutron and synchrotron infrastructures (LSIs) as an enabling technology. LSI enabling technologies however are tricky to use. There is therefore also a need for researchers to tackle such complexity – and integrate LSI work into the general research process.
Accordingly, to focus on solving the complexity challenges of using LSIs to characterise materials and materials processes, the NEXT Centre has chosen four Archetypal Characteristion Challenges (ACCs) as research themes. Each ACC represents the challenge of using LSIs for particular types of materials characterisation research.
Archetypal Characterisation Challenges (ACCs)
Scanning electron microscope image of a crack in steel. Curtesy Nader Heshmati.
ACC 1. Stress, Strain, Damage and Failure
Projects within the Archetypal Characterisation Challenge (ACC) related to Stress and Strain focus on designing, producing and validating materials that can withstand extreme conditions while ensuring safety, efficiency and durability. Topics such as grain structure optimization and grain boundary engineering - and their measurement - are common to applications from micro metre coatings to large components with complex geometric structures.
Projects within the Archetypal Characterisation Challenge (ACC) related to Surface Integrity focus on the effects of the environment on the material, such as hydrogen embrittlement and other in-situ corrosion phenomena. Methodologies for in-situ property and chemical analysis are a shared topic for projects that aim to design and produce materials that are more durable in harsh environments.
Within the Manufacturing Archetypal Characterisation Challenge (ACC), projects aim to generate knowledge and data supporting the development of more sustainable production processes, the reduction of manufacturing defects and the optimisation of the surface properties of materials. Use of sample environments that mimic actual manufacturing processes are an integral aspect of research.
Large Scale Neutron and Synchrotron facilities enable researchers to capture thousands of measurements per second. This opens many possibilities such as capturing more data and a wider variety of data - under the proviso that many samples can be measured quickly and data can be analysed effectively. The high-through put archetypcal characterisation challenge will therefore address the need for new sample environments as well as streamlined research protocols.
