Operando measurement of lattice strain in internal combustion engine components by neutron diffraction

Journal Article · 21 December 2020 · Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2012960117 · OSTI ID:1742079

Wissink, Martin L.  ^[1]; Chen, Yan ^[2]; Frost, Matthew J.  ^[2]; Curran, Scott J.  ^[1]; Rios, Orlando ^[3]; Sims, Zachary C. ^[4]; Weiss, David  ^[5]; Stromme, Eric T. ^[6]; An, Ke  ^[2]

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1. Energy Science and Technology Directorate, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831,
2. Neutron Sciences Directorate, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831,
3. Physical Sciences Directorate, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831,, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996,
4. Physical Sciences Directorate, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831,, The Bredesen Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Graduate Education, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996,
5. Eck Industries, Inc., Manitowoc, WI 54220,
6. Physical Sciences Directorate, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831,, US Navy, Washington, DC 20350

Significance Internal combustion engine components experience extreme thermomechanical cycling during operation, and the continuing need to improve engine efficiency while maintaining or improving reliability drives the development of lightweight materials with improved thermal and mechanical integrity. Understanding the behavior of new materials in dynamic operation requires operando characterization tools, but conventional in situ measurements of material behavior during real engine operation are very limited, and no practical means exist to replicate such extreme dynamics for ex situ study. In this work, we demonstrate that the penetrating power of neutrons can provide noninvasive measurement of lattice strains inside components of a firing engine, enabling the operando study of complex load states and thermal gradients throughout the solid materials.

• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• Grant/Contract Number: AC05-00OR22725
• OSTI ID: 1742079
• Journal Information: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, Journal Name: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America Journal Issue: 52 Vol. 117; ISSN 0027-8424
• Publisher: Proceedings of the National Academy of SciencesCopyright Statement
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English