Stationary neutron radiography system

The stationary neutron radiography system (SNRS) is a custom-designed neutron radiography inspection system that utilizes a specially designed TRIGA reactor system, parts-positioning manipulators, and a real-time imaging system. The SNRS is designed to provide high-throughput nondestructive inspection capability for the detection of corrosion in aircraft components. The SNRS consists of the shield and containment system (SCS), nuclear reactor, and a component inspection system. The SCS [shield and containment system] is a three-level, rectangular-shaped 1,367-m2 (14,720-ft2) enclosure that incorporates a TRIGA reactor. This enclosure provides space, shielding, and environmental control for the neutron radiography operations. The nuclear reactor is a standard design 1,000 kW/pulsing, natural-convection-cooled TRIGA reactor with the reflector modified to accept the source ends of the four neutron radiography beam tubes, which terminate in four separate neutron radiography bays. The reactor is monitored and controlled by a microprocessor-driven, computer-based instrumentation and control system featuring color graphics display, self-calibration, and automatic logging of vital information. Both manual and automatic control options are available to the operator