A Novel NDT Scanning System Based on Line Array Fast Neutron Detector and D-T Neutron Source

Area of Science:

• Nuclear instrumentation
• Non-destructive testing (NDT)
• Materials science

Background:

• Non-destructive testing (NDT) is crucial for evaluating materials without causing damage.
• Existing neutron detection systems often face limitations in scanning range and resolution.
• Development of compact and efficient neutron sources is essential for portable NDT applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a novel non-destructive testing scanning system.
• To achieve high-resolution imaging using fast neutrons.
• To demonstrate the feasibility of fast neutron tomography for material inspection.

Main Methods:

• Construction of a scanning system utilizing a large-size line array fast neutron detector.
• Integration of a compact deuterium-tritium (D-T) neutron source with a rotating tritium target.
• Employing a detection subsystem with a scintillator, wavelength-shifting fibers, lens, and scientific CCD camera.
• Utilizing fast neutron tomography for imaging.

Main Results:

• The system achieves a scanning range of up to 1000 mm with a resolution better than 1 mm.
• The compact D-T neutron source demonstrates a lifetime of up to ten hours.
• Experimental validation confirmed the system's ability to detect slits as narrow as 0.5 mm.
• Successful implementation of fast neutron tomography was achieved.

Conclusions:

• The developed non-destructive testing system based on a line array fast neutron detector and D-T neutron source is feasible and effective.
• The system offers significant improvements in scanning range and resolution for NDT applications.
• This technology paves the way for advanced material inspection and characterization using fast neutron tomography.