Neutron diffraction study of the stress distribution in steel matrix around active NiTi inserts

The present work deals with a non-conventional application of multifunctional materials such as shape memory alloy in engineering components. The concept of active inserts has been adopted in order to redistribute compressive stresses emerged in cutting disc during its operation. According to the present design, the small pre-strained elliptical NiTi elements were placed into openings of steel cutting disc in places with expected maximum stress concentration. To study the stress interaction of the NiTi inserts with steel matrix in detail, the in-situ method of neutron diffraction was employed for residual stress mapping. The diffraction experiments were focused substantially on scan of internal stresses around inserts and their evolution with increased temperature. The performed studies confirm the potential ability of NiTi insert to induce the compressive stress within steel matrix with applied temperature.