The central mission of Materials Solutions Network at CHESS (MSN-C) is to provide state-of-the-art tools to characterize and improve advanced manufacturing processes, allowing manufacturers to directly address questions like: why do parts fail?

MSN-C consists of two X-ray experimental stations, one optimized for high performance metals and one for polymer-based materials, such as carbon-fiber composites. Together, these facilities provide critical infrastructure in support of research in materials and processes already in use, and those needed for future applications.

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Tree inference diagram for RNR sequence

Protein family shows how life adapted to oxygen

Cornell scientists have created an evolutionary model that connects organisms living in today’s oxygen-rich atmosphere to a time, billions of years ago, when Earth’s atmosphere had little oxygen.
abstract green and blue image

Analysis of a three-dimensional slip field in a hexagonal Ti alloy from in-situ high-energy X-ray diffraction microscopy data

For the first time, a microscale plastic strain field (also known as crystallographic slip) has been non-destructively reconstructed in 3D in a deforming alloy.

Image of researchers at the Functional Materials Beamline

In situ SAXS/WAXS mapping of thermoplastic crystallization during 3D printing

AFRL and Boeing collaborate with CHESS to enable real-time measurements of high performance thermoplastics in 3D printing composites processing. 

Kelly Nygren of CHESS loads a sample into RAMS

In-Hutch Commissioning of Rotation and Axial Motion System IV (RAMS IV) Load Frame

In spring 2021, the fourth generation of Rotation and Axial Motion System (RAMS IV) load frame was commissioned with X-rays at the Struct

laser annealing setup with detector

Autonomous materials development using in situ laser annealing and scan-probe, grazing incident x-ray microdiffraction.

During the 2021-1 run cycle at the FMB-beamline of MSN-C, an interdisciplinary group of researchers based at Cornell University demonstrated the first use of an AI-directed, fully-automated process

High-stress steel microstructure

Quantifying Through-Thickness Residual Stresses from Forming of Wrought Steel Armor Plate

A recent effort has verified the capability of MSN-C to characterize Department of Defense-relevant parts with typical thicknesses, bend, and welded features.

clog development sequence

Mechanics of nozzle clogging during direct ink writing of fiber-reinforced composites

In situ X-ray radiography at CHESS, in conjunction with ex situ X-ray computed tomography (XCT), was employed to study the origins of fiber-induced clogging during 3D printing of fiber-filled polym

SAXS intensity map reveals structure of 3D-printed part

Revealing Filler Morphology in 3D-Printed Thermoset Nanocomposites by Scanning Microbeam X-ray Scattering

3D printing leads to many defects and interfaces within printed parts. Failure during performance in the road-to-road and layer-by-layer processed parts appears at these interfaces and defects.

Beam through Steel

Validation of Welding Model for Digital Twin of Thick-Plate Joint: Mapping Residual Strains in HSLA Steel using High Energy X-rays

The U.S. Navy is seeking to establish digital twin prototypes across the Fleet.