Neutron radiographic nondestructive inspection for bonded composite structures

Conference · Mon Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1979 · Am. Soc. Test. Mater., Spec. Tech. Publ.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6808646

Dance, W E; Middlebrook, J B

Neutron radiography was found to be effective as a nondestructive inspection technique for detection of bondline voids/defects in a variety of composite structures. Radiographic data are presented from typical structures for which the neutron radiographic inspection technique offers advantages over more conventional inspection techniques. Complex composite joints such as box beam members, for example, are difficult to inspect by ultrasonic techniques, and the X-ray attenuation coefficients of the different materials in composite/metal combinations differ in such a manner as to yield very little nondestructive inspection information regarding the integrity of the bond. Accurate bondline defect information was achieved in such structures utilizing a transportable californium-252 (Cf-252) neutron radiography system containing approximately 2 mg of the CF-252 isotope. Through techniques developed at Vought Corp. Advanced Technology Center, resolution of simulated bondline voids as small as 0.127 mm diameter in laminated graphite/epoxy specimens was achieved. It is expected that continuing improvements in imaging techniques, and in mobility of neutron sources for radiography, will spawn wide usage of the neutron technique for nondestructive inspection of complex wing joints, control surfaces, and other airframe structures.

• Research Organization: Vought Advanced Technology Center, Inc., Dallas, TX
• OSTI ID: 6808646
• Report Number(s): CONF-7810286-
• Conference Information: Journal Name: Am. Soc. Test. Mater., Spec. Tech. Publ.; (United States) Journal Volume: 696
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING
420500* -- Engineering-- Materials Testing
COMPOSITE MATERIALS
DEFECTS
INDUSTRIAL RADIOGRAPHY
JOINTS
MATERIALS
NEUTRON RADIOGRAPHY