The scientists used used neutron diffraction to examine a 3D printed aluminum, copper, manganese and zirconium alloy.
Neutron diffraction tests use neutron scattering to determine of the atomic and/or magnetic structure of a material.
Using this technology, the alloy was studied for the deformation that occurs when a material is under persistent mechanical stress at high temperatures. When the material’s atomic structure was examined, the researchers observed that the overall stress was absorbed by one part of the alloy but transferred to another part during deformation. This back-and-forth shuffling prevents strengthening in some areas, according to Oak Ridge.
This discovery could help improve aluminum alloys, making them more suitable for extreme conditions, according to Dr Amit Shyam, leader of the alloy behavior and design group at the lab.
“Neutrons offer opportunities to study metallurgical phenomena in multiphase structural materials,” he said.
