Non-destructive testing of macroscopic objects using neutrons

摘要

1,063,561. Detecting neutrons. UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM. Jan. 13, 1964 [Jan. 22, 1963], No. 2741/63. Heading G6P. Non-destructive testing of materials containing hydrogen is effected by directing a collinated beam of monochromatic neutrons on to the material and detecting the intensity of the beam of neutrons transmitted by the material. The beam source may be a nuclear reactor or an accelerator. The beam is rendered monochromatic by a velocity selector formed of beryllium or aluminium crystals and the neutrons so selected are in the epithermal range. The detector contains indium, the resonance properties of which are within the required range; dysprosium and plutonium may also be used. Neutrons scattered by the material under test are reduced in energy and are not detected. The detector may incorporate a photographic arrangement.