The system was designed with flexibility in mind, allowing for X-ray diffraction experiments to be combined with a wide suite of mechanical tests. Loads are applied to samples by a Bose 3330 testing system capable of applying a max 3000N at a frequency of 100hz for high-cycle fatigue testing. 250lbs (1112N) and 1000lbs (4448N) load cells are available for high and low load amplitude loading. Fixtures are available for tensile, compressive, and fully reversed loading. A furnace capable of heating samples to 1000°C during mechanical loading is also available. Samples can be rotated 360° about a vertical rotation axis during loading, while the incoming X-ray beam has an unimpeded path to the sample for 260°. Sample positioning accuracy is less than 1µm in the X, Y, and Z directions allowing for positioning of the incoming X-ray beam on to centroids of individual grains within a polycrystal. The diffractometer is available for use in both the A2 and F2 experimental stations.
