Speaker
Description
The Beam Line Centre (BLC) of the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (Necsa) provides a unique national research infrastructure that combines neutron and X-ray based analytical capabilities in support of materials science, engineering, chemistry, geology, life sciences, and industrial innovation. Operating from the SAFARI-1 research reactor site, the BLC hosts a suite of complementary instruments that enable non-destructive characterisation of microstructure, phase composition, residual stress, crystallographic texture, and internal features across a broad range of scientific and engineering applications.
The presentation will highlight the capabilities and recent activities of the BLC, with particular emphasis on the neutron diffraction instruments MPISI and PITSI, which support advanced investigations of additive-manufactured components, engineering alloys, phase transformations, magnetic materials, and complex composite structures. Instrument development is strongly supported by computational modelling using McStas and other neutron transport tools to optimise source characteristics, instrument performance, flux distribution, and resolution. Benchmarking against leading international facilities has further strengthened the reliability and scientific quality of measurements and data-analysis methodologies.
In parallel, significant effort is directed towards software development, automated data reduction, visualisation, and user-support systems, enhancing accessibility and efficiency for both academic and industrial users. The BLC is also actively preparing for the transition from SAFARI-1 to a future Multi-Purpose Reactor (MPR) based Neutron Beam Line Facility (NBLC), where an expanded suite of world-class neutron instruments is envisaged. Through continued investment in infrastructure, modelling, international collaboration, benchmarking, and a structured user programme, the Beam Line Centre is positioning itself as a leading neutron-science hub for Africa and an important contributor to the global neutron research community.
Speaker Bio: Dr. Deon Marais
Dr Deon Marais is a Beamline Chief Scientist: Neutron Diffraction of the Beam Line Centre within Applied Radiation, Research and Innovation at the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (Necsa). He is responsible for the development and scientific utilisation of neutron and X-ray beam line facilities that support advanced materials characterisation for research and industry.
His expertise spans, neutron diffraction, residual stress analysis, crystallography, neutron instrumentation, computational modelling, and large-scale research infrastructure development. He has played a key role in the operation and advancement of the beam line facilities associated with the SAFARI-1 research reactor and contributes to the strategic planning of South Africa's future neutron science capabilities.
Dr Marais's research interests include neutron instrument design, Monte Carlo simulation, additive manufacturing, materials performance, and the development of user-focused scientific facilities. He is also actively involved in fostering national and international collaborations, expanding user programmes, and strengthening neutron science capacity across Africa. Through these activities, he supports the application of advanced characterisation techniques to challenges in engineering, energy, manufacturing, and materials research.