Bayesian non-parametric Bragg-edge fitting for neutron transmission strain imaging

Abstract

Energy resolved neutron transmission techniques can provide high-resolution images of strain within polycrystalline samples allowing the study of residual strain and stress in engineered components. Strain is estimated from such data by analysing features known as Bragg-edges for which several methods exist. It is important for these methods to provide both accurate estimates of strain and an accurate quantification the associated uncertainty. Our contribution is twofold. First, we present a numerical simulation analysis of these existing methods, which shows that the most accurate estimates of strain are provided by a method that provides inaccurate estimates of certainty. Second, a novel Bayesian non-parametric method for estimating strain from Bragg-edges is presented. The numerical simulation analysis indicates that this method provides both competitive estimates of strain and accurate quantification of certainty, two demonstrations on experimental data are then presented.