High Resolution 3D Strain and Orientation Mapping within a Single Grain on Various Forms (Additive Manufacturing vs Wrought vs Welded) of 31

The current programme aims to improve the lifespan and operational efficiency of energy generation plants by studying the degradation mechanisms of 316 austenitic stainless steel, a common material used for structural components. The overall project uses a multi-scale experimental approach that merges computational modelling with state-of-the-art experimental techniques to create an unprecedented comprehensive characterisation of structural materials behaviour. Dark Field X-ray Microscopy (DFXM) experiments, correlated to on-going HR-EBSD and DIC work, will enable 3D mapping at nanoscale to improve our models by obtaining strain distribution within a grain of interest. The results will help understand the effect of localised strain fields on crack growth rate in demanding environments.