Engineering applications of synchrotron light

Facilities unique in the world are available for the detailed study of engineering and manufacturing. Diamond’s X-ray beams allow for detailed analysis and modelling of strain, cracks and corrosion as well as in situ study of materials during production processing. This research is vital to the development of high performance materials and their use in innovative products and structures.

To discuss possible engineering experiments at Diamond, please contact the relevant beamline scientist or Andy Dent.

Potential industrial users should contact Elizabeth Shotton.

Listen to Diamond scientists and users talk about engineering applications in the Diamond podcast.

Engineering Science Highlights

• Casting of aluminium alloys: understanding semi-solid deformation and failure using in-situ X-ray imaging
  02 Jun 2011
  Our society takes for granted the high performance aluminium alloys used in aircraft, trains, fast ferries and motor vehicles. This high performance exists thanks to extensive research and development Read more...
• Polycrystal deformation analysis by high energy synchrotron X-ray diffraction
  30 Sep 2010
  Better understanding of the distribution of elastic and plastic strains in deformed polycrystalline, multiphase materials is important for structural engineering. The deformation response depends upon Read more...
• Understanding Material Deformation
  18 Aug 2009
  Understanding the deformation of polycrystalline structural materials is the key to improving performance and reliability of complex engineering components and systems. The interaction between grains in Read more...
• Tackling Pit Corrosion
  01 Apr 2008
  In Brief Professor Trevor Rayment and Dr Alison Davenport from the University of Birmingham have used the Microfocus Spectroscopy beamline I18 to carry out X-ray studies of corrosion that may help corrosion Read more...