STFC Proof-of-Concept Grant

Stress-Space Ltd is pleased to have been awarded a Proof-of-Concept (PoC) grant by STFC for the purpose of demonstrating simultaneous measurement of surface residual stresses by adaptive X-ray diffraction and deep residual stresses by neutron diffraction (a world first). We will install our unique X-ray diffraction robot (X-RAYBOT), that self-adapts to map residual stresses across complex surface forms, on the ENGIN-X neutron strain scanning instrument at the ISIS Neutron and Muon Source at Harwell (UK). The demonstration experiment is scheduled for March 2023. Success will open opportunities for combining these complementary techniques, for example in research addressing the stress relief heat treatment of highly constraint joints. It will also reduce measurements turnaround time and illustrate how the X-RAYBOT can be deployed on a manufacturing production line.