Performance of Radiation Sources of Different Energies in the Qualification of Solid Properllant Rocket Components

摘要

X-ray radiography is the major non destructive technique employed in the qualification of asolid propellant rocket components ranging from small pyrogenic Igniters, to giant rocket motors of 2800 mm dia. Diverse materials like steel, fiber reinforced composite materials, different solid propellants, rocasin, etc., are being used in the construction of the above components. As the thickness and density of materials cover a wide range, the inspection therefore requires the use of radiation sources of different energies. For this, we are using from conventional kilo volt, kilo-Curie sources to high energy linear accelerators. Radiographic inspection techniques are developed for different sizes of components. Performance parameters such as penetration, sensitivity, latitude, exposure etc, are studied and optimised for various sources.