Neutron Inspection Device for Small Defect Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods face difficulties in detecting small defects, such as those of several millimeters, within inspection targets using neutron beams, as they struggle to accurately identify and differentiate between different types of defects.
Innovation Solution
A nondestructive inspection device and method that emits a neutron beam to a local irradiation location on an inspection target, detects scattered neutrons, and calculates ratios of detected neutrons to reference values at each position, enabling the detection of small defects by identifying peak formations in the ratio distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional neutron beam inspection methods are used, then the inspection can be performed on infrastructure, but small defects of several millimeters cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection target is divided into multiple local irradiation locations on the surface, and multiple detection positions are arranged to face different regions. By segmenting the inspection area and performing localized measurements, the system can detect small defects that would be missed in a conventional full-area inspection approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by calculating ratios of detected neutrons specifically at detection positions that face local irradiation locations. This localized ratio calculation enhances the sensitivity to small defects in specific regions, allowing the system to identify defects of several millimeters that would be indistinguishable in a global average measurement.
2Reliability
If neutron beam is emitted to inspect defects, then existence of defects can be determined, but differentiation between types of defects (cavity, water, rust) is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the defect detection process by analyzing ratio distributions at multiple discrete detection positions. Each position provides localized information about the underlying defect type, and by combining these segmented measurements, the system can differentiate between cavity, water, and rust defects based on their distinct neutron scattering signatures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a spatial dimension to defect characterization by arranging multiple detection positions at different locations facing the inspection target. This dimensional expansion transforms a single bulk measurement into a distributed measurement field, where the spatial distribution of ratio values provides additional information for defect type identification.
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
This approach allows for the detection of small defects and differentiation between types of defects, such as cavities and water presence, by analyzing the ratio distribution of scattered neutrons, enhancing the sensitivity and accuracy of defect identification.
Implementation Method 1
scattered neutrons that return by being scattered inside the inspection target as a result of the emission of the neutron beam
Data Source
AI summary
A nondestructive inspecting device (10) includes a neutron emission device (2) that emits a neutron beam to a local irradiation location on a surface (la) of an inspection target (1), a detection device (3) that detects, at each of inspection positions facing the surface (la), scattered neutrons returned from the inspection target (1) as a result of emission of the neutron beam to the irradiation location, and measures the detected number of the scattered neutrons at each of the detection positions, and a ratio calculation unit (5) that calculates, for each of the detection positions, a ratio of the detected number at the detection position to a reference value for the detection position, and outputs the ratios. The reference value is set as the detected number at each of the detection positions in an assumed case of no defects existing in the inspection target (1).