Bayesian analysis of in-situ high-resolution X-ray diffraction synchrotron experiments of Ti-6Al-4V specimens undergoing tensile loading

Linking the accumulation of microstructural damage prior to crack initiation to the lifing of aero-engines components would help to better predict the time that a component spends in this crack initiation stage We present the results and analysis of in-situ high-resolution X-ray diffraction (XRD) experiments of a Ti-6Al-4V specimen that experienced tensile loading using medium energy synchrotron X-rays (≤21 keV) carried out at the Australian Synchrotron. The XRD analysis characterised XRD line-broadening due to the build-up of dislocations and the formation of crystallites in α- and β-Ti-6Al-4V specimens. Using Bayesian XRD analysis methods, the density, spatial arrangement of dislocations, and crystallite size information for α- and β-phases of the Ti-6Al-4V was extracted from the XRD line-profiles, as a function of applied load. The XRD analysis was then compared and validated with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis of the specimen before and after the loading. Comparison of the TEM and XRD analysis reveals broad agreement in terms of the microstructural damage of Ti-6Al-4V specimens.