In-situ neutron diffraction measurement of stress redistribution in a dissimilar joint during heat treatment

Neutron diffraction is routinely used to monitor stress redistribution before and after heat treatment in dissimilar joints. However there remains a paucity of information concerning the evolution of strain throughout the process of heat treatment itself. Due to different mechanical properties between opposing sides, a competitive strain redistribution process occurs. Consequently, a novel in-situ measurement approach has been developed: strains at multiple points in a dissimilar joint have been measured during heat treatment. Thus, the described work elucidates areas within the thermal cycle in which competitive strain redistribution occurs, and where high residual stresses remain, following PWHT. The method may be used to characterise comparable material combinations, with a view to optimising the thermal cycles, and ultimately, the structural integrity of dissimilar joints.