| Abstract Scope |
Neutron scattering plays an established role in the analysis and development of structural materials, providing information over a range of length scales. Here, we report recent developments in characterisation techniques for types of material degradation relevant to the nuclear energy sector, in particular measuring material voids and defects from irradiation or the early stages of creep or fatigue. Positron annihilation methods offer a useful probe, but availability at central scientific facilities is currently limited. This is despite there being several demonstrated or conceivable implementations of the technique that would be relatively simple to deploy at existing neutron sources. Beyond this, we also consider ways in which the full diffraction spectrum acquired on a time-of-flight neutron instrument can provide a gauge of material damage or degradation, even where these spectra were recorded for the purpose of elastic strain measurements, thereby adding additional context for integrity assessments based on residual stress. |