Mapping 3D grain and precipitate structure during in situ mechanical testing of open-cell metal foam using micro-computed tomography and high-energy X-ray diffraction microscopy

•3D grain structure is mapped and tracked during loading of open-cell metal foam.•Challenges included sample size relative to beam size and large ligament motions.•X-ray CT and far-field HEDM measurements collected at incremental displacements.•New scanning and stitching methodology established for far-field HEDM measurements.•Ligament-tracking code used to express crystal orientation in local reference frame.