Date of Award

2020

Degree Type

Capstone Project

First Advisor

Dr. Cameron Goodwin

Second Advisor

Dr. Bahram Nassersharif

Abstract

Neutron radiography is a type of nondestructive imaging that utilizes slow moving thermal neutrons to penetrate an object and produce high resolution photographs. It is commonly used but not limited to the industries of aerospace, automotive, energy and medical applications. Images produced by neutron radiography appear similar to an X-ray image and can be used instead of or in conjunction with X-ray . The key difference between these imaging methods is while X-ray only allows neutrons to interact with a material’s electron shell, neutron radiography allows neutrons to interact with a material’s nucleus directly. This is an extremely beneficial tool in many aspects of industry that utilize heavy or density materials such as the aforementioned. However, because of the intensity of the imaging methods used for neutron radiography, it is key that a neutron radiography facility follows safety requirements listed by the NRC and ALARA as well as fit within the reactor space allotted for the facility.

The team was tasked with the challenge of designing a neutron radiography facility at the University of Rhode Island Bay Campus reactor for safe, nondestructive testing that meets the specified design scope and safety guidelines given by the customer. This project was sponsored by Los Alamos in partnership with Dr. Goodwin and Dr. Nassersharif to develop a proof of concept. The facility layout contains several components including an automated tri-layer shutter designed with to prevent gamma and neutron radiation. Next, a bismuth moderator used in conjunction with a Sapphire moderator filters out neutrons as they flow into the collimator. The collimator utilizes a high length to diameter ratio in order to slow neutrons as they enter the light proof imaging box, past the object and through a scintillation screen. The inside of the box contains a mirror to convert neutron to visible light and a camera to develop this into an image. Behind the box is a beam stopper to stop excess radiation and protect from harmful radiation.

Comments

Sponsors: LANL, Carolynn Scherer

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