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All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2020

Microstructure Evolution of U–Zr System in A Thermal Cycling Neutron Diffraction Experiment: Extruded U–10Zr (wt. %)

Microstructure evolution of 1073 K extruded U–10Zr (wt. %) fuel during thermal cycling (303–1073 K with a ~9 hour hold at 873 K during cooling) was investigated using in situ neutron diffraction. Analysis was performed using Rietveld texture and crystal structure refinements from time–of–flight neutron diffraction data, with a focus on the evolution of textures and lattice parameters as a function of temperature. The α–U phase exhibits lattice contraction with increasing temperature along the b lattice direction and lattice expansion in the other directions while the other phases exhibit lattice expansion with temperature in all directions. Contrary to the established phase diagram, the β–U phase is absent at the temperatures of the thermal cycling. (001) α and (110) γ plane normals are observed with a strong preferred orientation along the extrusion direction. Finally, the variant selection of (001) α ||(110) γ is observed for the first time.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2021

Crystal structure of the $τ_{11}$ Al 4 Fe 1.7 Si phase from neutron diffraction and ab initio calculations

The intermetallic τ 11 Al 4 Fe 1.7 Si phase is of interest for high-temperature structural application due to its combination of low density and high strength. We determine the crystal structure of the τ 11 phase through a combination of powder neutron diffraction and density functional theory calculations. Using Pawley and Rietveld refinements of the neutron diffraction data provides an initial crystal structure model. Since Al and Si have nearly identical neutron scattering lengths, we use density-functional calculations to determine their preferred site occupations. The τ 11 phase exhibits a hexagonal crystal structure with space group P6 3 /mmc and lattice parameters of a = 7.478 Å and c = 7.472 Å. The structure comprises five Wyckoff positions; Al occupies the 6h and 12k sites, Fe the 2a and 6h sites, and Si the 2a sites. Here we observe site disorder and partial occupancies on all sites with a large fraction of 80% Fe vacancies on the 2d sites, indicating an entropic stabilization of the τ 11 phase at high temperature.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Electronically- and crystal-structure-driven magnetic structures and physical properties of RScSb (R = rare earth) compounds. A neutron diffraction, magnetization and heat capacity study

The synthesis of the new equiatomic RScSb ( R = La-Nd, Sm, Gd-Tm, Lu, Y) compounds has been recently reported. These rare earth compounds crystallize in two different crystal structures, adopting the CeScSi-type ( I 4/ mmm) for the lighter R (La-Nd, Sm) and the CeFeSi-type (P4 /nmm) structure for the heavier R ( R = Gd-Tm, Lu, Y). Here we report the results of neutron diffraction, magnetization and heat capacity measurements on some of these compounds ( R = Ce, Pr, Nd, Gd and Tb). Band structure calculations have also been performed on CeScSb and GdScGe (CeScSi-type), and on GdScSb and TbScSb (CeFeSi-type) to compare and understand the exchange interactions in CeScSi and CeFeSi structure types. The neutron diffraction investigation shows that all five compounds order magnetically, with the highest transition temperature of 66 K in TbScSb and the lowest of about 9 K in CeScSb. The magnetic ground state is simple ferromagnetic (τ = [0 0 0]) in CeScSb, as well in NdScSb for 32 >T > 22 K. Below 22 K a second magnetic transition, with propagation vector τ = [¼ ¼ 0], appears in NdScSb. PrScSb has a magnetic structure within, determined by mostly ferromagnetic interactions and antiferromagnetic alignment of the Pr-sites connected through the I-centering ( τ = [1 0 0]). A cycloidal spiral structure with a temperature dependent propagation vector τ = [δ δ ½] is found in TbScSb. The results of magnetization and heat capacity lend support to the main conclusions derived from neutron diffraction. As inferred from a sharp peak in magnetization, GdScSb orders antiferromagnetically at 56 K. First principles calculations show lateral shift of spin split bands towards lower energy from the Fermi level as the CeScSi-type structure changes to the CeFeSi-type structure. This rigid shift may force the system to transform from exchange split ferromagnetic state to the antiferromagnetic state in RScSb compounds (as seen for example in GdScSb and TbScSb) and is proposed to explain the change-over from a ferromagnetic structure as found in the CeScSi-type compounds CeScSb and NdScSb to the antiferromagnetic state as found in TbScSb and GdScSb.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2017

In Situ Neutron Diffraction Studies of the Ion Exchange Synthesis Mechanism of Li 2 Mg 2 P 3 O 9 N: Evidence for a Hidden Phase Transition

Motivated by predictions made using a bond valence sum difference map (BVS-DM) analysis, the novel Li-ion conductor Li 2 Mg 2 P 3 O 9 N was synthesized in this paper by ion exchange from a Na 2 Mg 2 P 3 O 9 N precursor. Impedance spectroscopy measurements indicate that Li 2 Mg 2 P 3 O 9 N has a room temperature Li-ion conductivity of about 10 –6 S/cm (comparable to LiPON), which is 6 orders of magnitude higher than the extrapolated Na-ion conductivity of Na 2 Mg 2 P 3 O 9 N at this temperature. The structure of Li 2 Mg 2 P 3 O 9 N was determined from ex situ synchrotron and time-of-flight neutron diffraction data to retain the P2 1 3 space group, though with a cubic lattice parameter of a = 9.11176(8) Å that is significantly smaller than the a = 9.2439(1) Å of Na 2 Mg 2 P 3 O 9 N. The two Li-ion sites are found to be very substantially displaced (~0.5 Å) relative to the analogous Na sites in the precursor phase. The non-molten salt ion exchange method used to prepare Li 2 Mg 2 P 3 O 9 N produces a minimal background in powder diffraction experiments, and was therefore exploited for the first time to follow a Li + /Na + ion exchange reaction using in situ powder neutron diffraction. Lattice parameter changes during ion exchange suggest that the reaction proceeds through a Na 2–x Li x Mg 2 P 3 O 9 N solid solution (stage 1) followed by a two-phase reaction (stage 2) to form Li 2 Mg 2 P 3 O 9 N. However, full Rietveld refinements of the in situ neutron diffraction data indicate that the actual transformation mechanism is more complex and instead involves two thermodynamically distinct solid solutions in which the Li exclusively occupies the Li1 site at low Li contents (stage 1a) and then migrates to the Li3 site at higher Li contents (stage 1b), a crossover driven by the different signs of the local volume change at these sites. Finally, in addition to highlighting the importance of obtaining full structural data in situ throughout the ion exchange process, these results provide insights into the general question of what constitutes a thermodynamic phase.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2022

Phase evolution of U-Zr system in a thermal cycling neutron diffraction experiment: as-cast U-35Zr and U-50Zr

Here, phase evolution of as-cast U-35 wt% Zr and U-50 wt% Zr alloys during thermal cycling (303–1073 K) was investigated using in-situ neutron diffraction. Analysis was performed using Rietveld crystal and microstructure refinements from time-of-flight neutron diffraction data, with a focus on evolution of lattice parameter, atom ordering, unit cell volume, and weight fractions during the thermal cycling. Disordered δ-UZr 2 and residual γ-(U,Zr) phase are retained in the field of δ of the U-Zr equilibrium phase diagram for the U-50Zr sample, and in the field between δ and α-U for the U-35Zr sample. The α phase that is present in the reported phase diagrams of U-Zr was not observed in the diffraction patterns. The evolutions of lattice parameter and unit cell volume of δ and γ are affected by both thermal expansion and chemistry.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2014

Structural and magnetic behavior of the cubic oxyfluoride SrFeO{sub 2}F studied by neutron diffraction

The oxyfluoride SrFeO{sub 2}F has been prepared via a low temperature route involving the infinite-layer SrFeO{sub 2} and XeF{sub 2}. SrFeO{sub 2}F crystallizes in the cubic space group Pm-3m with disordered oxygen and fluorine atoms on the anion site. Recent reports demonstrated that SrFeO{sub 2}F is antiferromagnetic at room temperature and the zero field cooled and field cooled curves diverge at ∼150 K and ∼60 K, suggesting that the material has a spin glassy magnetic state at low temperatures. In this article, variable-temperature neutron diffraction (4–723 K) was performed to clarify the magnetic behavior observed in this material. Neutron powder diffraction measurements confirmed the antiferromagnetic (AFM) ordering of the system at room temperature. Below 710(1) K, the magnetic structure is a G-type AFM structure characterized by a propagation vector k=(1/2 , 1/2 , 1/2 ). The ordered moments on Fe{sup 3+} are 4.35(6)µ{sub B} at 4 K and 4.04(5)µ{sub B} at 290 K. Our results indicate that the cubic structure is retained all the way to base temperature (4 K) in contrast to PbFeO{sub 2}F. These results are compared with those of Pb and Ba analogs which exhibit very similar magnetic behavior. Furthermore, the observation of magnetic reflections at 4 K in the diffraction pattern shows the absence of the previously proposed spin glassy behavior at low temperatures. Previous proposals to explain the ZFC/FC divergences are examined. - Graphical abstract: Variable temperature powder neutron diffraction was employed to follow the evolution of the long range antiferromagnetic state in SrFeO{sub 2}F. - Highlights: • SrFeO{sub 2}F prepared via low temperature route involving SrFeO{sub 2} and XeF{sub 2}. • The cubic structure, Pm-3m, is retained at low temperatures, 4 K. • The magnetic structure is G-type AFM with T{sub N}=710 K and Fe{sup 3+} moment of 4.35µ{sub B}. • A small volume, bulk decoupled, spin glassy domain/cluster mechanism is proposed. • Highest AFM ordering temperature compared to Pb and Ba analogs.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2026

A Compact Cryogenic Environment for In Situ Neutron Diffraction Under Mechanical Loading

Understanding the deformation mechanisms of materials at cryogenic temperatures is crucial for cryogenic engineering applications. In situ neutron diffraction is a powerful technique for probing such mechanisms under cryogenic conditions. In this study, we present the development of a compact cryogenic environment (CCE) designed to facil-itate in situ neutron diffraction experiments under mechanical loading at tempera-tures as low as 77 K. The CCE features a polystyrene foam cryogenic chamber, alumi-num blocks serving as neutron-transparent cold sinks, a liquid nitrogen dosing system for cryogen delivery, a nitrogen gas flow control system for thermal management, a process controller for temperature control, and a pair of thermally isolated grip adapt-ers for mechanical testing. The CCE achieves reliable temperature control with mini-mal neutron attenuation. Utilizing this setup, we conducted three in situ neutron dif-fraction tensile tests on a 316L stainless steel at 77 , 173 , and 298 K, respectively. The results highlight the pronounced effects of cryogenic temperatures on the material's deformation mechanisms, underscoring both the significance of cryogenic deformation studies and the effectiveness of the CCE.

Yu, Dunji [ORNL] (ORCID:0000000189467851)↗
DOE OSTI2018

Bending Behavior of a Wrought Magnesium Alloy Investigated by the In Situ Pinhole Neutron Diffraction Method

The tensile twinning and detwinning behaviors of a wrought magnesium alloy have been investigated during in situ four-point bending using the state-of-the-art high spatial resolution pinhole neutron diffraction (PIND) method. The PIND method allowed us to resolve the tensile twinning/detwinning and lattice strain distributions across the bending sample during a loading-unloading sequence with a 0.5 mm step size. It was found that the extensive tensile twinning and detwinning occurred near the compression surface, while no tensile twinning behavior was observed in the middle layer and tension side of the bending sample. During the bending, the neutral plane shifted from the compression side to the tension side. Compared with the traditional neutron diffraction mapping method, the PIND method provides more detailed information inside the bending sample due to a higher spatial resolution.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2011

Neutron diffraction studies on the Heusler alloy Ni{sub 50}Mn{sub 37}Sb{sub 13}

The evolution of martensitic to austenitic transformation in Ni{sub 50}Mn{sub 37}Sb{sub 13} has been studied usingtemperature dependent neutron diffraction, thermal property, and magnetization studies. Differential scanning calorimetric studies reveal a martensitic transformation T{sub M} around 291 K. The magnetization data yield a ferromagnetic ordering temperature of 329 K in the austenitic phase and 230 K in the martensitic phase. The analysis of the powder neutron diffraction data in the temperature range of 325-12 K indicates a structural transition from a high temperature cubic L2{sub 1} type structure to an orthorhombic structure. At 270 K, both cubic and orthorhombic phases coexist. Anisotropic unit cell changes are observed at the martensitic transformation: The unit cell expands by about 1.5% along the a axis, by about 2.5% along the c axis, and compresses by about 4.28% along the b axis. Both cubic and orthorhombic phases show commensurate collinear ferromagnetic ordering with a magnetic moment of {approx}3.67 {mu}{sub B}/Mn in Mn (2a and 2f) sites.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2017

In-situ neutron diffraction study on the tension-compression fatigue behavior of a twinning induced plasticity steel

Grain orientation dependent behavior during tension-compression type of fatigue loading in a TWIP steel was studied using in-situ neutron diffraction. Orientation zones with dominant behavior of (1) twinning-de-twinning, (2) twinning-re-twinning followed by twinning-de-twinning, (3) twinning followed by dislocation slip and (4) dislocation slip were identified. Jumps of the orientation density were evidenced in neutron diffraction peaks which explains the macroscopic asymmetric behavior. The asymmetric behavior in early stage of fatigue loading is mainly due to small volume fraction of twins in comparison with that at later stage. As a result, easy activation of the de-twin makes the macroscopically unloading behavior nonlinear.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Visualizing the Structural Evolution of LSM/xYSZ Composite Cathodes for SOFC by in-situ Neutron Diffraction

Composite cathodes for solid oxide fuel cells, the mixtures of (La0.8Sr0.2)0.95MnO3- (LSM) and (Y2O3)x(ZrO2)1-x (xYSZ, x = 3, 6, 8 and 10), have the thermal stability unraveled at elevated temperatures by using in-situ neutron diffraction. The Rietveld refinement analysis of neutron diffraction visualizes the phase evolutions and the ion activities in the material systems. The phase transition of tetragonal YSZ at T > 900 C leads to a heterogeneous redistribution of Mn ions. The reaction of LSM and YSZ occurring at T > 1100 C was revealed as a three-stage process, yielding La2Zr2O7, SrZrO3 and MnO. The activities of Y, Mn and La ions at elevated temperatures are derived by the structural analysis, and the three-stage reaction of YSZ and LSM was found strongly correlated to ions behaviors.

Chen, Yan↗
DOE OSTI2015

Neutron diffraction study of Bi doped cubic spinel Co{sub 2}MnO{sub 4}

Polycrystalline Bi doped spinel Bi{sub x}Co{sub 2-x}MnO{sub 4} compounds were prepared by solid state reaction route. Room temperature neutron diffraction study reveals that all the compounds are formed in cubic phase and there is no change in the crystal structure due to Bi doping and the compound has cubic structure with Fd-3m space group. Cell parameter found to increase with respect to Bi doping and ferrimagnetic nature is established through magnetization. Low temperature neutron diffraction is carried out and emphasis the ferrimagnetic ordering in the samples of Bi{sub x}Co{sub 2-x}MnO{sub 4} series.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2013

The magnetic and crystal structures of Sr2IrO4: A neutron diffraction study

We report a single-crystal neutron diffraction study of the layered Sr2IrO4. This work unambigu- ously determines the magnetic and crystal structures, and reveals that the spin orientation rigidly tracks the staggered rotation of the IrO6 octahedra in Sr2IrO4. The long-range antiferromagnetic order has a canted spin configuration with an ordered moment of 0.208(3) B/Ir site within the basal plane; a detailed examination of the spin canting yields 0.202(3) and 0.049(2) B/site for the a-axis and the b-axis, respectively. It is intriguing that forbidden nuclear reflections of space group I41/acd are also observed in a wide temperature range from 4 K to 600 K, which suggests a reduced crystal structure symmetry. This neutron scattering work provides a direct, well-refined experimen- tal characterization of the magnetic and crystal structures that are crucial to the understanding of the unconventional magnetism existent in this unusual magnetic insulator.

Ye, Feng↗
DOE OSTI2011

Neutron diffraction studies of RSn{sub 1+x}Ge{sub 1-x} (R=Tb-Er) compounds

The magnetic structures of RSn{sub 1+x}Ge{sub 1-x} (R=Tb, Dy, Ho and Er, x{approx}0.1) compounds have been determined by neutron diffraction studies on polycrystalline samples. The data recorded in a paramagnetic state confirmed the orthorhombic crystal structure described by the space group Cmcm. These compounds are antiferromagnets at low temperatures. The magnetic ordering in TbSn{sub 1.12}Ge{sub 0.88} is sine-modulated described by the propagation vector k=(0.4257(2), 0, 0.5880(3)). Tb magnetic moment equals 9.0(1) {mu}{sub B} at 1.62 K. It lies in the b-c plane and form an angle {theta}=17.4(2) deg. with the c-axis. This structure is stable up to the Neel temperature equal to 31 K. The magnetic structures of RSn{sub 1+x}Ge{sub 1-x}, where R are Dy, Ho and Er at low temperatures are described by the propagation vector k=(1/2, 1/2, 0) with the sequence (++-+) of magnetic moments in the crystal unit cell. In DySn{sub 1.09}Ge{sub 0.91} and HoSn{sub 1.1}Ge{sub 0.9} magnetic moments equal 7.25(15) and 8.60(6) {mu}{sub B} at 1.55 K, respectively. The moments are parallel to the c-axis. For Ho-compound this ordering is stable up to T{sub N}=10.7 K. For ErSn{sub 1.08}Ge{sub 0.92}, the Er magnetic moment equals 7.76(7) {mu}{sub B} at T=1.5 K and it is parallel to the b-axis. At T{sub t}=3.5 K it tunes into the modulated structure described by the k=(0.496(1), 0.446(4), 0). With the increase of temperature there is a slow decrease of k{sub x} component and a quick decrease of k{sub y} component. The Er magnetic moment is parallel to the b-axis up to 3.9 K while at 4 K and above it lies in the b-c plane and form an angle 48(3) deg. with the c-axis. In compounds with R=Tb, Ho and Er the magnetostriction effect at the Neel temperature is observed. - Graphical abstract: The magnetic structures of RSn{sub 1+x}Ge{sub 1-x} (R=Tb, Dy, Ho and Er, x{approx}0.1) compounds have been determined by neutron diffraction studies on polycrystalline samples. The magnetic ordering in TbSn{sub 1.12}Ge{sub 0.88} (a) is sine-modulated described by the propagation vector k=(0.426, 0, 0.588). The magnetic structures of RSn{sub 1+x}Ge{sub 1-x} where R are Dy (b), Ho (b) and Er (c) at temperatures close to 1.5 K are described by the propagation vector k=(1/2, 1/2, 0) with the sequence (++-+) of magnetic moments in the crystal unit cell. For Ho- and Dy-compound this ordering is stable up to T{sub N} while for Er-compound at T{sub t}=3.5 K it tunes into a modulated structure (d). Highlights: > We determine crystal and magnetic structures of RSn{sub 1+x}Ge{sub 1-x} (R=Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, x{approx}0.1) compounds. > We compare the results with those for RT{sub x}X{sub 2} (X=Ge, Sn) compounds. > We examine the influence of other components (T, Sn, Ge) on magnetic ordering in R-sublattices. > Magnetic ordering in RSn{sub 1+x}Ge{sub 1-x} compounds is similar to those observed in RT{sub x}X{sub 2} compounds. > Other elements (T, Sn, Ge) have not got significant influence on stability of magnetic ordering.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2025

What Is the Limit of Quantification for the Minor Phase in Time-of-Flight Neutron Diffraction? A Case Study on Fe and Ni Powder Mixtures at VULCAN

A phase present in small quantities within materials may not simply serve as a secondary component; it can play a crucial role in determining the integrity, properties, and performance of the material. These minor but important phases usually draw attention in material design and processing for fundamental understanding as well as material quality control. Accurately quantifying a minor phase amid a majority phase, especially at extremely low fractions, remains a challenging task. Time-of-flight neutron diffraction, coupled with advanced pattern analysis techniques like Rietveld refinement, is a powerful tool for crystal structure identification and phase quantification. The deep penetrating capability of neutrons enables the detection and quantification of trace phases within materials. In this study, the quantification limits of time-of-flight neutron diffraction were explored using the VULCAN diffractometer at the Spallation Neutron Source, using Fe–Ni powder mixtures as a sample system. By comparing the refinement results to the known weighed values, it was determined that the reliable quantification of a minor Ni phase is achievable down to about 0.1 wt% while a Ni fraction as low as 0.02 wt% is difficult to trace. Effective control of the refinement parameters, especially the profile function parameters, are found to significantly influence the convergence of fittings and the accuracy of phase quantification.

Rietveld refinement↗
DOE OSTI2025

Hydride Migration within RhH 2 Ag 19 Superatom: A Combined Neutron Diffraction and DFT Analysis

Abstract An investigation combining neutron diffraction and DFT allows determining the most likely hydride migration pathway within the icosahedral metal framework of [RhH 2 Ag 19 {S 2 P(O n Pr) 2 } 12 ] (RhH 2 Ag 19 ). Starting from the experimentally derived solid‐state structures, a computational analysis is able to reveal an energetically favorable migration pathway with a maximum energy barrier of 4.2 kcal mol −1 . The two hydrides migrate simultaneously within the Rh@Ag 12 icosahedral core, traversing several positional isomers. This study expands the understanding of hydride dynamics in nanoclusters and provides critical insights into the structural flexibility of the superatom framework. These findings have significant implications for hydrogen storage, catalysis, and the design of advanced hydride‐containing materials.

Chemistry↗
DOE OSTI2013

Deformation mechanisms of a 20Mn TWIP steel investigated by in situ neutron diffraction and TEM

The deformation mechanisms and associated microstructure changes during tensile loading of an annealed twinning-induced plasticity (TWIP) steel with the chemical composition of Fe–20Mn–3Si–3Al–0.045C (wt.%) were systematically investigated using in situ time-of-flight (TOF) neutron diffraction in combination with postmortem transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The initial microstructure of the investigated alloy consists of equiaxed austenitic grains with the initial α´-phase of ~7% in volume. In addition to dislocation slip, twinning and two kinds of martensitic transformations from the austenite to α´- and epsilon martensites were observed as the main deformation modes during the tensile deformation. In situ neutron diffraction provides a powerful tool to establish the deformation mode map for elucidating the role of different deformation modes in different strain regions. The critical stress is 520 MPa for the martensitic transformation from the austenite to α´-martensite, whereas a higher stress (>600 MPa) is required for actuating the deformation twin and/or the martensitic transformation from -martensite. Both epsilon- and α´-martensites act as the hard phases whereas mechanical twinning contributes to both strength and ductility of the studied steel. TEM observations confirmed that the twinning process was facilitated by the parent grains orientated with <111> or <110> parallel to the loading direction. The nucleation and growth of twins are attributed to the pole and self-generation formation mechanisms, as well as the stair-rod cross-slip mechanism.

in situ neutron diffraction↗