Comparison of Thermal and Fast Neutron Computed Tomography of Complex Objects by Additive Manufacturing and Electrical Discharge Machining

Neutron radiography and computed tomography may be used to investigate internal structures of complex multi-material objects nondestructively. Thermal neutrons are more effective at producing high-contrast radiographs of objects composed of elements with relatively low atomic numbers (Z). A capability to produce high-quality CT reconstructions from both thermal and fast neutron computed tomography (nCT) using a lens-coupled imaging was demonstrated using various Additively Manufactured (AM'd) and Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) phantoms, with layers and distinct features, made with intentional voids and out of high- and low-Z elements.

Automated summary

Neutron radiography and computed tomography are effective tools for nondestructive investigation of internal structures of complex multi-material objects. Thermal neutrons are more effective at producing high-contrast radiographs of objects composed of elements with relatively low atomic numbers.