The non-destructive estimation of the superficial mechanical properties of components in the INCONEL 600 alloy by X-ray diffraction peak width

INCONEL 600 alloy is largely used as nuclear power center components. The non-destructive determination of the superficial mechanical proprieties is indispensable for the qualification of the fabrication process and for the service duration estimation in aggressive environment. X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique is non-destructive and can be used to determine microscopic internal stresses from the broadening of the XRD peaks. The average magnitude of XRD peak broadening is related directly to the hardness, the elastic limit or degree of cold work of the material which can be used as a means of quantifying the surface mechanical properties. With an empirical relationship between the {311} XRD peak width and the conventional mechanical proprieties (hardness, elastic limit, hard work degree) for INCONEL 600 alloy, the superficial mechanical characteristics can be estimated from diffraction peak width for just finished parts or for maintenance pieces. Several TEM observations are also realized for microstructure study.