Neutron radiographic nondestructive evaluation of aerospace structures
Neutron radiography with source intensities which are moderate relative to those of reactor neutron sources was found to be effective for nondestructive inspection of a variety of aerospace structures. By using either 2 mg of the isotope californium-252, or a 3-MeV Van de Graaff accelerator as neutron source, the technique was found particularly suited to evaluation of adhesive bonds in metal honeycomb and phenolic fiberglas-to-metal structures. Adhesive flaws in a variety of bonded assemblies, including a set of test panels with built-in adhesive voids and unbonds, were detected by neutron radiographic inspection. In addition, detection of corrosion hidden within metal aircraft assemblies appears to be a promising application of neuron radiography. Corrosion products introduced into one such structure in the laboratory to simulate corrosion from a field situation were radiographically imaged for sizes ranging down to 0.030 in. in dia and 0.002 in. in thickness. It is expected that with continued improvements in imaging techniques and mobility of neutron sources for radiography the technique will gain widespread usage for routine nondestructive inspection of many types of structures.
- Research Organization:
- Advanced Technology, Center, Inc., Dallas
- OSTI ID:
- 7270617
- Journal Information:
- Am. Soc. Test. Mater., Spec. Tech. Publ.; (United States), Journal Name: Am. Soc. Test. Mater., Spec. Tech. Publ.; (United States) Vol. 586; ISSN ASTTA
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
X-ray backscatter imaging for aerospace applications
NEUTRON RADIOGRAPHIC INSPECTION OF RADIOACTIVE IRRADIATED REACTOR FUEL SPECIMENS
Related Subjects
420500* -- Engineering-- Materials Testing
ACTINIDE ISOTOPES
ACTINIDE NUCLEI
AIRCRAFT COMPONENTS
ALPHA DECAY RADIOISOTOPES
CALIFORNIUM 252
CALIFORNIUM ISOTOPES
DEFECTS
EVEN-EVEN NUCLEI
HEAVY NUCLEI
HONEYCOMB STRUCTURES
INDUSTRIAL RADIOGRAPHY
ISOTOPES
MATERIALS TESTING
MECHANICAL STRUCTURES
NEUTRON RADIOGRAPHY
NONDESTRUCTIVE TESTING
NUCLEI
RADIOISOTOPES
TESTING
YEARS LIVING RADIOISOTOPES