Article published LLB
All there is to know about metallic structures
The neutron diffusion platform, at the Laboratory Léon Brillion (CEA-CNRS), uses neutrons from the Orphée nuclear reactor to determine stress, textures, precipitates and the magnetic properties in materials.
How can we collect ultra-precise information concerning the structure and magnetism of materials? This question is at the heart of the neutron diffusion work conducted at the Laboratories Léon Brillion (LLB) using its twenty-five spectrometers installed around the Orphée nuclear reactor. The interactions between the Oprhée neutrons and the samples to be studied generate changes in direction, in energy levels and sometimes in neutron spin, the analysis of which literally makes it possible to "see" inside the material.
An additional method to radiography and gammagraphy, neutron radiography aims to scrutinize light atoms (liquids, plastic material, rubber, etc.) inside metallic structures. But "the neutrons" also feel the pressures in the materials; their diffusion makes it possible to draw up the map of internal pressures in a metal part without destroying it. The method also highlights precipitates and heterogeneities of nanometric and sub-nanometric size. Commonly used in the metallurgical field, they determine the source textures behind the anisotropy of material properties, subjected or voluntary, and are used to develop the most efficient production process. Its extreme sensitivity to magnetism also makes it possible to produce maps of the magnetic areas in molecular compounds or fine layers.
These analysis devices, which constitute both fundamental research tools and R&D tools in the field of materials, can be accessed through a "beam time" request.
