X-Ray Diffraction on Additively Manufactured Parts

The problem: Residual stress in additive manufactured parts

A research institution is interested in developing more accurate crack propagation models in Inconel parts manufactured using the additive manufacturing technique selective laser melting (SLM). They must validate numerical models with experimental data.

The testing method: X-ray diffraction

X-ray diffraction was used to measure the planar principal stress on the surface of various locations in an L-shaped SLM component.

Diagram of sample residual stress measurement locations — Figure 1: Diagram of sample measurement locations

The Xstress robot allows for fast programmable measurement points which provided the experimental data the research team required. At most locations, the experimentally measured data and predicted stress was within 10%. These results helped the team validate and refine their simulation.