Optimisation of data collection and processing for efficient strain scanning

Webster, PJ; Kang, WP

Abstract

A constraint to the academic and industrial exploitation of neutron strain scanning is its cost in relation to that of alternative techniques. Generally, a large proportion of the resource cost is that for beam-time. The efficient utilisation of beam-time can be enhanced by optimising data collection and processing. The selection of three principal related factors -- detector range, angular step size and the counting time -- determines the data quality and uncertainties in defining the Bragg peak parameters required to determine strain. Theoretical and numerical analysis of computed and experimental data are used to establish a general set of well-founded, semi-empirical but theoretically-based, practical "rules of thumb" to be used when making strain measurements to a specified statistical uncertainty. The "rules" apply mostly to constant wavelength techniques where the angular position and other profile parameters of a single symmetrical Bragg peak are required but have relevance for fixed angle time-of-flight methods.

Citation

Webster, P., & Kang, W. (2002). Optimisation of data collection and processing for efficient strain scanning. Journal of Neutron Research, 10(2), 93-110. https://doi.org/10.1080/1023816022000006207

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Jun 17, 2002
• Deposit Date: Sep 5, 2007
• Journal: Journal of Neutron Research
• Print ISSN: 1023-8166
• Publisher: IOS Press
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 10
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 93-110
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/1023816022000006207
• Keywords: Strain scanning, strain uncertainties, numerical analysis, peak fitting, optimisation, diffraction
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/1023816022000006207