Neutronic Engine for Time-Resolved Lattice Strain Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current non-destructive evaluation tools for internal combustion engines are limited in their ability to emulate real operating conditions, particularly for understanding dynamic thermomechanical behaviors and responses under high-pressure and temperature gradients, due to the lack of a suitable method for three-dimensional and time-resolved measurements of strain, stress, and phase transformations within the engine components.

Innovation Solution

An internal combustion engine with a neutron-transparent combustion chamber and a piston assembly made from aluminum, allowing for three-dimensional and time-resolved neutron diffraction measurements of strain, stress, and phase transformations, along with a cradle for neutron diffraction research, enabling non-invasive lattice strain measurements across a range of operating conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If optical windows are installed in pistons or cylinder heads to enable optical measurements, then optical transparency is improved, but the engine can only operate at low absolute pressures and temperatures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical transparencyVSAvoidoperating temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces neutrons as an intermediary probe that can penetrate metal components without requiring optical windows. Neutrons interact with the crystal lattice of metals through diffraction, enabling measurements of strain, stress, and phase transformations directly through the engine components themselves, bypassing the need for transparent materials that limit operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the optical measurement system (requiring transparent windows and beam paths) with a neutron diffraction system. This substitution allows measurements to be taken through opaque metal components using neutron beams, eliminating the constraint of needing optical access and enabling operation at high temperatures and pressures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If optical windows are used to create beam paths for measurements, then measurement capability is improved, but the engine must be operated in skip-firing mode

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement capabilityVSAvoidoperating mode

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Neutrons serve as an intermediary that can penetrate the entire engine structure during normal operation, allowing continuous firing mode measurements without requiring the engine to be in skip-firing mode. The neutron beam passes through the engine components to reach detectors, enabling measurements during every combustion cycle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Strength

If traditional materials are used in engine components, then mechanical strength is improved, but neutron penetration capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical strengthVSAvoidneutron attenuation

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the engine components by using thinner walls and optimized geometries that maintain mechanical strength while reducing neutron attenuation. The design balances structural requirements with neutron transparency, allowing sufficient neutron penetration for diffraction measurements while preserving engine component integrity under operating loads.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables comprehensive, non-invasive measurement of lattice strains and thermal gradients, facilitating the study of complex load states and improving the development of new materials for enhanced efficiency, durability, and safety in internal combustion engines.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNeutron diffraction: Neutron Diffraction

Data Source

PatentUS11768128B2Neutronic engine

Publication Date: 2023.09.26 UT BATTELLE LLC

AI summary

An internal combustion engine for neutron diffraction analysis is provided. The engine includes an elongated piston chamber formed from an aluminum alloy to ensure maximum neutron visibility into the combustion chamber. An elongated piston assembly reciprocates within the elongated piston chamber, the piston assembly including an upper piston joined to a lower piston. The upper piston and the lower piston are hollow, thereby reducing the reciprocating mass and increasing neutron access to the combustion chamber. The upper piston is lubricated with a neutron-transparent fluorocarbon lubricant such as perfluoropolyether (PFPE), while the lower piston and the crankcase are lubricated with hydrocarbon lubricant. The engine enables 3D and time-resolved measurements of strain, stress, and temperature, as well as phase transformation, texture, and microstructure.