Rostec Group published a video demonstrating non-destructive testing of aircraft parts using an X-ray diffractometer at the Additive Technology Center of the United Engine Corporation (UEC). The device allows measuring residual stresses inside the metal without destroying the part. The method is used for key elements of aircraft engines — blades, disks and shafts, the strength and service life of which directly depend on the internal state. The technology covers several stages of production: machining, hardening procedures and other technological operations.
X-ray diffraction in aircraft engine construction: why measure stresses inside metal
Residual stresses are invisible internal forces that remain in the metal after processing or printing. If they exceed the permissible values, the part may fail before the calculated time even without visible external defects. The X-ray diffractometer records these stresses at the production stage — before the part gets into the engine.
The method plays a special role for parts manufactured on 3D printers. During layer-by-layer printing of metal products, internal stresses inevitably arise — due to uneven heating and cooling. Diagnostics allows detecting them at an early stage and adjusting the printing parameters before final assembly.