Neutron Radiography for Complementary Non-Destructive Evaluation/Testing for Stockpile Reliability Programs of U.S. Army Tactical Missile Systems

Neutron Radiography (NR) is a non-destructive evaluation/non-destructive testing technique that is an ideal complement to current x-ray techniques because of differences in how neutrons interact with matter; providing superior contrast for imaging lightweight organic materials, especially adhesives, propellants, liners, and composite materials. Complimentary neutron-based imaging for energetic munitions has been demonstrated by Picatinny Arsenal/PEO Ammo; however, NR has traditionally been limited to a small number of locations around the world because of the relative difficulty of producing neutrons—typically requiring a nuclear reactor, accelerator facility, or significant quantities of radioactive material. Starfire Industries is developing an electronic neutron source that is compact, safe and highly efficient; enabling NR to be performed on-site at production facilities or material storage locations for NDE/NDT inspection. This Phase I SBIR project will demonstrate the applicability of the NR technique to meet the specific requirements of Redstone Arsenal/PEO Missiles and Space for tactical missile stockpile reliability—in particular simulating detector imaging sensitivity and defect resolution for materials of interest. Once feasibility is established and NR station requirements known, a preliminary system design based on the Starfire advanced neutron source can be evaluated for performance, safety and cost.