This week, our KOWARI strain scanner is being used by the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) with Boeing, to understand and control residual stress conditions for manufacturing processes in modern aerospace alloys.
Specifically, we wish to understand how various machining parameters and procedures affect the residual stresses within the component, through the different stages of a manufacturing process.
The results will support the large-scale investigations carried out by the AMRC to manufacture safe and reliable aerospace parts through optimized cost-effective procedures.
The AMRC is a world-class centre for advanced machining and materials research. It employs over 250 highly qualified researchers and engineers, and brings together over 70 partner companies supporting aerospace and high-value manufacturing. The centre identifies, researches and resolves advanced manufacturing problems.
Samples produced by the AMRC are being investigated on KOWARI. The non-destructive neutron-diffraction technique provides a unique approach to evaluate the residual stresses within the same aerospace part through various stages of the production process. Stresses can be measured both at the subsurface and deep within the component.