MAUD Rietveld Refinement Software for Neutron Diffraction Texture Studies of Single‑ and Dual‑Phase Materials

Area of Science:

• Materials Science and Engineering
• Crystallography
• Computational Materials Science

Background:

• Crystallographic texture analysis is crucial for understanding material properties.
• Rietveld refinement software, like MAUD, is widely used but presents operational challenges.
• Standardized procedures for texture analysis using MAUD are needed for consistent results.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a detailed instructional demonstration of MAUD for crystallographic texture evaluation.
• To address and resolve common challenges encountered during Rietveld refinement with MAUD.
• To establish a consistent and reliable refinement process applicable to various material systems and diffraction data.

Main Methods:

• Utilized MAUD software for Rietveld refinement of crystallographic texture.
• Applied the methodology to High-Pressure-Preferred-Orientation (HIPPO) neutron diffraction data.
• Incorporated electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) pole figures for validation, specifically on Ti-6Al-4V additive manufactured samples.

Main Results:

• Developed a systematic evaluation of MAUD refinement steps, identifying and explaining potential user issues.
• Proposed a multilayered assessment for determining the completion of a MAUD refinement procedure.
• Highlighted the importance of appropriate sample symmetries in texture data interpretation.

Conclusions:

• The presented work offers a robust and systematic approach to crystallographic texture analysis using MAUD.
• Addressing software-specific challenges enhances user experience and data reliability.
• The findings contribute to more accurate and consistent material texture characterization from diffraction data.