Tomographic Reconstruction of Two-Dimensional Residual Strain Fields from Bragg-Edge Neutron Imaging

Residual stress arising from many manufacturing processes ($e.g.$ welding, forming, or additive manufacturing) can have a profound effect on mechanical performance. Strain tomography via neutron imaging promises a powerful experimental approach, but has been demonstrated in just a small number of special cases. The authors develop a general algorithm for tomographic reconstruction of residual strain fields in two dimensions, and experimentally demonstrate the technique. Strain tomography has the potential to impact a number of fields within experimental mechanics, and this study represents a significant step toward the ultimate goal: general reconstruction in three dimensions.