Engineering Materials Science using Neutrons

The course deals with the following applications of scattering techniques in the field of engineering materials science: Phase and texture analysis by neutron and synchrotron x-ray diffraction, Residual stress determination by neutron and synchrotron x-ray diffraction, Neutron and synchrotron x-ray small angle scattering and imaging for engineering materials.

The related neutron and synchrotron techniques will be presented with focus on the working principle, instrumentation, data acquisition and analysis, and application examples related to engineering materials and problems.

The course consists of lectures, practical measurements at PETRA III P21.2, practical data analysis exercises, and assignments.

Eligibility & Prerequisites

Courses are open to all, but selection may be limited if the number of applicants is high.

Our main target group are PhD students, but courses are also open to advanced MSc students, postdocs, and participants from industry.

Prior knowledge in powder diffraction is useful.

Next course date

October 2026

Learning Objectives

  • Understanding of working principles of neutron and synchrotron techniques.
  • Knowledge of data acquisition procedures, preliminary data analysis, and main error sources.
  • Understanding the uniqueness and limitations of these techniques compared with complementary methods.
  • General knowledge of how these techniques can be applied to engineering materials and problems.

Course Main Content

Phase and texture analysis; residual stress determination; small-angle scattering and imaging for engineering materials. Techniques presented with focus on working principles, instrumentation, data acquisition/analysis, and applications. Includes lectures, practical measurements at PETRA III P21.2, data analysis exercises, and assignments.

Literature

• Staron, Schreyer, Clemens & Mayer (2017): Neutrons and Synchrotron Radiation in Engineering Materials Science, 2nd Ed., Wiley-VCH.

• Noyan & Cohen: Residual Stress Measurement by Diffraction and Interpretation.

• Introduction to texture analysis (selected chapters).

Lecturers

Peter Hedström (KTH); Magnus Hörnqvist Colliander (CTH); Invited lecturers.

Examination & Requirements for Final Grade

Hand-in assignments and lab reports. Approved assignments and lab reports required for Pass.

Contact

Prof. Peter Hedström (Professor in Materials Science at the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, KTH) – pheds@kth.se

English Course Title: Engineering Materials Science using Neutrons
Credits: 5 hp
Arranged by: KTH and Chalmers University of Technology
Location: Online/Hybrid
Teaching Language: English

Educational Level: Third Cycle
Subject Area: Neutron Scattering
Grade Scale: Pass/Fail