High-energy Needs and Capabilities to Study Multiscale Phenomena in Crystalline Materials

High-energy synchrotron X-rays are well suited to study engineering (structural) materials due to their small wavelength, adjustable energy and beam size, high flux, and ability to penetrate bulk polycrystalline samples up to centimeters in thickness. Recent advances in the use of high-speed, high-resolution detectors are making it possible to characterize microstructures at both the single grain and ensemble levels and to characterize the micromechanical responses of polycrystalline aggregates in three dimensions. These capabilities open new avenues of “in-situ” research that augments traditional forensic evidence with real-time data on functioning, evolving systems. X-ray scattering data are extremely rich, but taking the best advantage requires a continued refinement of experimental methods and analysis and a closer coupling of material models to detected intensities.