Neutron radiography: status report

A report is given of the current position concerning the applications of neutron radiography to gas turbine testing. The basis of neutron radiography techniques and the advantages of using cold neutron sources to image oil and fuel flows inside metal components due to the cross section differences exhibited by hydrogen and iron, are outlined. Design considerations of the neutron source facility and the various imaging techniques employed are considered. Neutron radiography has already been put to practical use in the study of lubrication system problems in the aero industry on a trial and error basis and it is expected, when present quantitative studies are complete, to use the technique on a regular basis. (UK)