Mechanical surface treatment studies by Bragg edge neutron imaging

Mechanical surface treatment technologies such as laser peening and cavitation peening require detailed characterization, including residual stress analysis, to optimize their processing parameters. Recent developments at neutron facilities allow non-destructive 2-dimensional residual strain mapping through Bragg edge imaging, which provides specific advantages over more established methods. The present work highlights the application of Bragg edge neutron imaging for the study of mechanical surface treatments, through determination of lattice spacing distributions by energy-resolved radiography. Through three different examples, the unique capabilities of the method are demonstrated, particularly for providing near surface residual strain maps within samples with complex geometries with relatively high spatial resolution. By providing a comparison with X-ray diffraction and neutron diffraction results, the present work emphasizes the potential of Bragg edge neutron imaging as a tool for surface treatment research.