SBIR-STTR Award

A nondestructive technique is proposed for the on-line determination of grain size in polycrystalline materials. The method correlates fluctuations in intensity of x-rays diffracted from various crystallographic planes in the material to the grain size. Through the use of position-sensitive x-ray detectors and high-speed digital computers and data acquisition systems, it is possible to gather and interpret sufficient data enabling the technique to be used on-line for material processing. The method can be used on both stationary samples and moving materials (elg., rolled sheet). The procedure is applicable in a wide range of polycrystalline materials, including metals, alloys, ceramics, and sintered materials in a variety of shapes.

Technology for Energy Corporation (TEC) has completed a six-month phase i small business innovative research project for the united states army. This work established parameters required for grainsize measurement by X-ray diffraction and completed proof-ofprinciple testing on various polycrystalline materials. Phase I provided results consistent within one astm standard number of grain size calculated by other methods. Phase II will advance the phase I research by developing a prototype grain-size determination instrument and establishing its operating characteristics. This prototype will be the basis of a commercial instrument having laboratory and industral applications.