Capitalizing Experiments at Neutron Sources: a Couple of Possible Strategies

For how trivial or provocative it can sound, the best neutron spectrometer in the world does not produce science by itself. By definition of Materials Science, neutron scattering data on engineering materials must be used as a tool to understand, and even tailor, materials performance. In order for this to happen, it is clear that neutron data need to be acquired under the most relevant condition possible, coupled to other experimental techniques, and capitalized by means of proper simulations and data analysis.
In fact, access to neutron sources is not routine. Consequently, it is imperative to search ways to make neutron data rentable for the material science and industrial research community.
In this presentation, and based on the example of Ceramic Diesel Particulate Filters and Aluminum Matrix Composites, we will show a couple of strategies to combine neutron data with other experiments, and with theoretical models. Their combination allows raising the value of experiments from data production to problem-solving. Obviously, these are only a few among the many combinations possible to help improving materials properties, performance, and safety.