neutrongrafia

Neutrongrafia, also known as neutron radiography or neutron imaging, is a non-destructive testing technique that uses neutron beams to visualize the internal structure of objects. This method leverages the unique properties of neutrons—particularly their ability to penetrate materials that are opaque to conventional X-rays—making it valuable for inspecting dense or thick components.

The process involves directing a beam of neutrons through an object, where they interact differently depending on the material composition. Neutrons are absorbed or scattered by certain elements, such as hydrogen, boron, or lithium, allowing these regions to appear distinct in the resulting image. Unlike X-rays, which are absorbed by dense materials like metals, neutrons are more effective for detecting lighter elements or hydrogen-rich substances, such as water, oils, or plastics.

Neutrongrafia is commonly used in industries like aerospace, nuclear, and materials science for quality control, defect detection, and research. Applications include inspecting fuel assemblies in nuclear reactors, analyzing composite materials, and studying corrosion in metallic components. The technique is also employed in cultural heritage preservation to examine artifacts without causing damage.

Neutron sources for imaging typically come from nuclear reactors or specialized neutron generators, though spallation sources and particle accelerators are also used. The resulting images are captured using detectors, such as neutron-sensitive films or digital imaging systems, which convert neutron interactions into visible representations.

While neutrongrafia offers unique advantages, it requires access to neutron facilities, which are less widely available than conventional X-ray sources. The technique is generally more expensive and time-consuming than other imaging methods but remains indispensable for specific applications where neutron sensitivity is critical.