the Defense Industry

NonDestructive Testing & Radiation Effects Testing

Fast, Reliable Neutron Imaging for DEFENSE Components

Neutron radiography is a nondestructive imaging method that reveals the internal structure of a sample by subjecting it to a neutron beam. Also known as neutron imaging or neutron tomography, neutron radiography can help manufacturers in a variety of industries — including the defense sector — design better, more efficient, and safer products, in addition to providing an invaluable resource for quality assurance and failure analysis. By developing a high-intensity neutron source that doesn’t rely on a reactor, we’re bringing newfound reliability and ease of access to this powerful testing method.

N-Ray Image of a gun.
X-ray image of a gun.

The neutron image (right) shows details that a high-energy x-ray image (left) would not depict, even the presence and position of gunpowder in the cartridge.

NonDestructive Testing Applications for the Defense Sector

There are many applications in the nondestructive testing industry that neutron radiography is well suited for. Common applications for the defense sector include:

  • Detecting internal flaws in cast parts
  • Detecting defects in energetic materials, including munitions
  • Inspecting the internal structure of additively manufactured components
  • Detecting the presence and position of liquids, such as water, inside dense metal and complex assemblies
  • Finding evidence of corrosion inside metal pipelines
  • Identifying bonding flaws in adhesives and disbonding of carbon fiber composites

Defense Radiation Effects testing

Radiation hardening and survivability testing is a necessity in the defense sector. In order to remain functional in the area of a nuclear detonation, defense systems and infrastructure must be able to tolerate large amounts of radiation created by the explosion. This means radiation hardened electronics are critical to defense. In addition, these electronics and systems must be able to withstand the event of secondary radiation effects, such as an electromagnetic pulse (a large dose of electromagnetic radiation). In order to ensure functionality, these electronics must undergo radiation hardening as part of the design process.

An image of electronic technology.

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