Neutron Radiography: an Overview

Although similar to X-ray and gamma-ray radiography, neutron radiography (NR) is a separate NDT method that evaluates structures somewhat differently and reveals unique internal characteristics that are often difficult to interpret using other NDT methods. Solid metals, for example, can appear nearly transparent with NR, as when analyzing hydrogenous materials in composite structures or assemblies. Although NR got its start in the mid-1900s, the technology took several decades to mature and migrate out of academic research and government experimentation and into the profession of NDT. Even today, NR has limited applications but is gradually gaining traction, especially where conventional X-ray and gamma-ray imaging are not possible. This article provides an overview of the method, along with recent content from ASNT’s media channels.