ISIS Engin-X Science Highlights

Engin-X Science Highlights

Our Science Highlight articles cover the diverse research that takes place at our facility. Read all our Science Highlight articles using Engin-X below:

Measuring strain limit of 2G HTS tape to optimise for industrial magnet coils
ENGIN-X has been used to study mechanical stress applied to 2G HTS tape, which is present in MRI and the electrical grid.
Extreme toughness at ultra-cold temperatures
Using Engin-X, researchers have characterised a new class of alloy that is amongst the toughest ever recorded, even at very low temperatures.
Siemens Energy use Engin-X to test a new gas turbine production method
Neutron diffraction was used to study the microstructure of samples produced using laser powder bed fusion, while they were being compressed.
Using neutrons to study the building blocks of aeroplane wings
Neutron diffraction has been used to understand how to prevent aircraft components being deformed during manufacturing.
Studying the impact of gunfire on heritage sites
Researchers have used Engin-X to help them understand the extent of gunfire damage to historic buildings during periods of conflict, which will inform how best to restore them.
Using neutrons to observe lattice deformation in steel weldments in wind turbines
Researchers from Cranfield University came to ISIS to use neutrons to investigate the effect that the welding process has on lattice structure in steel weldments.
How crumpling helmets protected Samurai warriors from bullets
Engin-X reveals microstructural details that show one type of Samurai helmet protected their wearer from firearms in the same way as a car crumple zone.
$(a) Cryogenic tensile rig; (b) Stress-strain curves of a FeCrNiCo HEA; (c) Diffraction patterns during tensile loading at 15 K ($
Using High Entropy Alloys for cryogenic applications towards a greener future.
Cryogenic conditions, below -150°C, are crucial for the widespread application of some greener fuels, and so it is important that the materials used are able to cope with these harsh conditions.
Adapting the ISIS targets to run at higher power
Before lockdown, High Power Targets Group engineer Dan Wilcox was running analysis for targets at TS1 and TS2. We got in touch with him to speak to about current work and future innovation in target design within ISIS.
Engin-X used to investigate how hydrogen embrittlement can cause industrial steels to fail
By studying how the structure of super duplex stainless steel samples changes under stress in the presence of hydrogen, the effect of the gas on structural integrity has been examined, and a model produced to inform industrial applications.
Neutrons – a breath of fresh air for the offshore wind turbine industry
Iron meteorites allow us to probe the formation of our Solar System
Neutrons – a breath of fresh air for the offshore wind turbine industry
ENGIN-X has helped tackle one of the most pressing concerns facing the offshore wind turbine industry – the assessment of the structural integrity of turbine foundations.
Neutrons: an unexpected engineering tool
What do you associate the word “engineering” with? Construction? Electronics? Maths? The list could go on and on, but in all likelihood it would be some time before you’d arrive at “neutrons”.
Neutrons probe ancient metal reinforcement from one of the largest cathedrals in the world
Researchers have used neutrons to non-destructively study an ancient tie rod from Milan Cathedral, which was a fundamental support to one of the largest churches in the world.
Non-Destructive investigations of iron meteorites using neutron diffraction
Scientists from Universita degli Studi di Firenze and Istituto dei Sistemi Complessi are using neutron diffraction to non-destructively study iron meteorites to reveal conditions during the early formation of the solar system.
Neutron techniques used to study 1400 BC grave goods from Egyptian tomb
Scientists have used neutron tomography on IMAT and Engin-X to non-invasively investigate the content of two artefacts from the tomb of ‘Kha and Merit’, a married couple who walked the streets of Ancient Egypt over 3000 years ago.
Texture analysis of Napoleonic war era copper bolts
In recognition of the 2018 Year of Engineering, this science highlight focuses on exciting historical research undertaken using ENGIN-X, a dedicated engineering science facility at ISIS.
Neutrons delve deep into novel fuel cell materials
Researchers from the UK and Saudi Arabia have used neutrons to successfully investigate novel anode materials for use in Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs).
Testing samples for Rolls Royce
Nickel based superalloys are a class of material designed for high-temperature applications, such as turbine blades for jet engines. During the manufacturing process single crystal turbine blades are subject to a series of heat treatments.
Neutrons help understand cracks in nuclear reactor moderator materials
In neutron diffraction studies, researchers investigated how the graphite material used in UK Nuclear Reactors deforms non-linearly under stress, to show how the material has some tolerance to damage.
Staying safe in the skies
It may surprise you to learn just how much ISIS has contributed to airline safety over the last few years, so here are some examples of how science is helping to keep us safe.
Optimising machining strategies for Boeing
Understanding the development and distribution of residual stresses caused by machining is key to improving machining processes.
Building safer ships with Lloyd’s Register
Ultrasonic peening (UP) is a technique for improving the fatigue performance of welded joints.
Testing new welding techniques for the nuclear industry with AREVA
Introduction of new designs, novel fabrication methods or modifications to existing plant in the nuclear power generation industry are subject to intense scrutiny to ensure that safety is not compromised.
ISIS prescribes Engin-X for Oxfordshire artefacts
Neutron diffraction measurements can benefit the conservation of irreplaceable artefacts.
TWI examines the acceptability of flaws in pipelines under high plastic strain
The outcome of a study carried out by engineering consultancy TWI and ISIS has important implications for the oil, gas and nuclear industries.
Letting the train take the strain
A consortium of train manufacturers, operators and standards bodies have used Engin-X to understand cracking in train wheels.
ISIS helps UK magnesium producer with a cracking problem
Scientists from ISIS have worked in partnership with UK company Magnesium Elektron to solve manufacturing challenges.
How neutrons can improve orthopaedic implants
The use of surface coatings in orthopaedic and dental implants has significantly improved the quality of human life.
Understanding flow in ice-rock mixtures
The rheology of multi-phase materials is of relevance to a broad range of applications.
Case study: Extending the life of hip implants
By studying stress, researchers from Heriot Watt University and ISIS could extend the life of orthopaedic implants.
Welding the unweldable
Neutron diffraction is helping aerospace engineers perfect ways of welding advanced alloys that are difficult to join.
Stress distributions around active NiTi inserts in smart cutting discs
Studying stone-cutting discs with ENGIN-X
Materials ageing studies for current and future nuclear reactors
Predicting the safe life of reactors and optimisation of materials for the next reactor generation.
Ancient weapons technology studied on ENGIN-X
Investigating ancient weapons
Case study: Wing quality soars at ISIS
ISIS helps major aerospace companies assure the quality of engineering components.