Experience with an On-Off Mobile Neutron Radiography System

In September of 1979 the U. S. Army and the Vought Corporation demonstrated an unique mobile neutron radiography system designed as a prototype for the examination of lightweight aircraft structures. Its source of neutrons is a small (d,t) accelerator available commercially. The system has produced hundreds of useful radiographs under a variety of field maintenance conditions and was transported over 12,000 km with ease. The system’s physical size, weight, shielding, and operational requirements appear to be optimal for acceptance by NDT personnel for routine survey examinations. We summarize here our experience with the system’s performance, reliability and accommodation to a variety of needs. The success of the system has produced a revival of interest in field applications of neutron radiography.