In situ mechanical loading and neutron Bragg-edge imaging, applied to polygranular graphite on IMAT@ISIS

We have developed a novel method of using in-situ Bragg imaging at the ISIS spallation neutron and muon source on the IMAT (Imaging and MATerials science and engineering) instrument using an energy-resolved detector setup.

This paper, in Experimental Mechanics, describes a proof-of-concept experiment demonstrating the use of the method, and the preliminary results from Gilsocarbon nuclear graphite allow qualitative observation of local changes in Bragg contrast, which may be due to deformation or grain re-orientation.