ABSTRACT
Radiography with gamma and neutron rays are two important methods for examining objects that cannot be observed with the naked eye. These include internal anatomy, airplane parts, and nuclear reactor fuels. Neutron and gamma radiography are both non-destructive testing techniques used to inspect the internal structure of objects, but they have key differences. Neutron radiography uses thermal neutrons to penetrate materials, interacting with atomic nuclei rather than electrons. This method is beneficial for detecting light elements like hydrogen and materials with high atomic numbers, making it valuable in aerospace, nuclear, and materials science fields for identifying defects in components. In contrast, gamma radiography uses high-energy photons known as gamma rays that interact with both atomic nuclei and electrons. This technique is effective for inspecting thicker and denser materials and is commonly used in industrial radiography for inspecting welds, detecting corrosion, and examining castings.
This research aims to determine whether combining images can provide a better understanding of the object. Radiography images of 11 samples from 11 different materials were taken: Uranium-238 (238U), Natural Uranium (U Nat), Uranium-235 (235U), Lead (82Pb), Silver (47Ag), Copper (29Cu), Nickel (28Ni), Tin (50Sn), Carbon (C 6), Polyethylene (C2H4), and Water (H2O). The study utilized a high-energy gamma source (Cobalt-60Co), a low-energy gamma source (Iridium-192Ir), and a thermal neutron source (energy 0.025 eV). The research was conducted using the MCNP code, and the output data were converted into images using MATLAB software.
The results indicate that combining neutron and gamma radiography images provides more information about the object under radiography. This combination enhances the clarity and contrast of the images, enabling more precise identification of the internal structures and features of the material. By integrating these two methods, more comprehensive information about the material's properties can be obtained, allowing for more accurate analysis and aiding in the detection of defects and internal characteristics.