Small Neutron Radiopgraphy Systems and Their Applications

Radiography with neutrons is a nondestructive testing method of growing importance for the inspection of aerospace and electronics components as well as ceramics. Potential applications of neutron radiography that have been investigated as part of a current research project include the detection of corrosion on metals, entrapped moisture and adhesive defects in metal, composite and metal-composite structures, defects in composite materials, flaws in the potting of electronics components and porosity/density fluctuations in ceramics. However, the large-scale use of this NDT method requires the availability of small mobile or stationary in-house neutron radiography systems. A comparative review of existing and possible future small neutron sources shows that sealed-tube neutron generators in particular represent a good compromise with respect to neutron yield, portability, reliability, safety and costs.