Neutron Inspection System Depth Resolution via Collimator Angle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Non-destructive inspection using neutrons struggles to determine the depth position of defects within infrastructure structures, as existing methods only detect defects facing the neutron detector without specifying their depth location.
Innovation Solution
A non-destructive inspection system comprising a neutron emission unit, a collimator, and a calculation unit that generates information about the inspection object's state in the depth direction by adjusting the neutron emission angle and detecting neutron amounts with multiple detectors, allowing for the specification of defect positions and compositions within the infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a portable neutron generation source is mounted on a vehicle for non-destructive inspection, then the inspection can be performed mobile and without destroying the inspection object, but the depth position of defects cannot be specified
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection system is segmented into multiple neutron detectors arranged at different positions and orientations. Each detector captures neutron information from a specific depth region, allowing the complex task of depth positioning to be divided into simpler sub-tasks handled by individual detectors. This segmentation enables depth specification without requiring a completely complex system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from single-point detection to multi-dimensional detection by arranging detectors in spatial configurations. By detecting neutrons from multiple angles and positions simultaneously, the system gains depth information capability. This dimensional expansion allows the system to specify depth positions while maintaining mobile inspection capabilities.
2Measurement precision
If multiple neutron detectors are used to specify depth position, then depth information can be obtained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple neutron detectors are merged into a coordinated detection system where each detector contributes specific depth information. The detectors are positioned and oriented to work together, with their data combined through calculation units to produce comprehensive depth-positioned defect information. This merging approach achieves high measurement precision while managing system complexity through coordinated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple neutron detectors are designed with multi-functionality, where each detector can identify defects at different depths and positions. The detectors are configured to perform various inspection tasks simultaneously, making the system more efficient. This universal design reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby managing complexity while improving measurement precision.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables accurate determination of defect positions and compositions in the depth direction of infrastructure structures, enhancing the depth resolution of neutron-based non-destructive inspections.
Implementation Method 1
a neutron emission unit capable of emitting fast neutrons and a neutron detection unit for detecting thermal neutrons
Implementation Method 2
The neutron emission unit emits fast neutrons, and the neutron detector detects thermal neutrons generated when the fast neutrons penetrate through the inspection object
Data Source
AI summary
A neutron emission unit is configured to emit neutrons such that a center axis (Nh) of a neutron emission intersects a center axis direction of collimators (23a to 23e). A calculation unit is capable of generating information about an inspection object in the center axis direction of the collimators, based on position information of a neutron detector and/or position information of the neutron emission unit, information about an angle (θ1) at which the center axis of the neutron emission intersects the center axis direction of the collimators, and a neutron amount detected by the neutron detector.