Determination of the residual stress in a centrifuge bowl by neutron diffraction

An experimental study of the stress field in centrifuges for food processing and for agricultural applications was undertaken. The model, the dimensions and the material of the sample are those of the most recent line of production of the Nuova M.A.I.P. company. The rotor is also one of the largest rotors produced by that firm. The residual strains and stresses were determined by using neutron-diffraction techniques before centrifugation and after centrifugation, to evaluate the evolution of stress induced by centrifuging. The upper part of the rotating bowl is investigated, where the highest stress field during centrifugation is theoretically forecast to occur. A data elaboration aiming at avoiding systematic errors leads to the conclusion that no appreciable residual stress is induced by centrifugation.