Thermal and sub-thermal neutrons are invaluable tools for investigations in fundamental, engineering and medical science. Such neutrons have unique physical properties, i.e., a magnetic moment, very suitable wavelength, no electric charge, which enables the experimental scientist to obtain information, which is simply not available otherwise. In addition, most applications of neutrons are non-destructive, which is mainly due to the particular type of neutron-matter interaction, which allows the neutron to penetrate deeply into most materials. In the engineering field neutrons are nowadays mostly applied for measurement of residual stresses. Nevertheless texture, and microstructure investigations are common practice and defects analysis methods are progressing. In this paper the unique features of the neutron are described and the borderline towards similar experimental tools (like X-rays) is drawn. A number of applications of neutrons are shown and a brief overview of the installations available at the High Flux Reactor (HFR) of the European Commission is given.
Publication Source: 3nd International Conference on NDE in Relation to Structural Integrity for Nuclear and Pressurized Components, November 14-16, 2001, Seville Spain. Publisher: Tecnatom s.a. - [Homepage]
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