SYMPOSIA PAPER Published: 01 January 1976
STP33918S

Neutron Radiographic Nondestructive Evaluation of Aerospace Structures

Source

Neutron radiography with source intensities which are moderate relative to those of reactor neutron sources was found to be effective for non-destructive 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 diameter 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.

Author Information

Dance, WE
Advanced Technology, Center, Inc., Dallas, Tex.
Price: $25.00
Contact Sales
Related
Reprints and Permissions
Reprints and copyright permissions can be requested through the
Copyright Clearance Center
Details
Developed by Committee: E07
Pages: 137–151
DOI: 10.1520/STP33918S
ISBN-EB: 978-0-8031-4668-6
ISBN-13: 978-0-8031-0535-5