Fast neutron imaging using D-D generator and plastic scintillator – GEANT4 simulations

This paper examines the potential of using a fast neutron technique called defectoscopy with a compact and efficient deuterium-deuterium (D-D) neutron generator and plastic scintillator. The paper describes the design of the apparatus and the methodology for obtaining images. In order to correctly interpret the results of the experiments, it is necessary to simulate the expected outcomes. For this purpose, simulations were performed using the Monte Carlo method in the GEANT4 code. A mockup of a printed circuit heat exchanger was modeled, and simulations were performed using multiple structural defects. The initial findings of our research are presented: GEANT4-simulated images and their processing for defects identification in combination with unidirectional surface sources. The results demonstrate the functionality and potential of our setup for fast neutron defectoscopy using a D-D generator.