Aircraft inspection using neutron radioscopic techniques

Kevin C. Shields; Wade J. Richards

doi:10.1117/12.213526

7 July 1995 Aircraft inspection using neutron radioscopic techniques

Kevin C. Shields, Wade J. Richards

Proceedings Volume 2455, Nondestructive Evaluation of Aging Aircraft, Airports, Aerospace Hardware, and Materials; (1995) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.213526
Event: Nondestructive Evaluation of Aging Infrastructure, 1995, Oakland, CA, United States

Abstract

The McClellan Air Force Base's Nuclear Radiation Center (MNRC) consists of the most extensive aircraft neutron radioscopic facilities in the world. The neutron radioscopic facility's primary function is the detection of low levels of moisture and corrosion in aircraft structures. These inspections are accomplished using two independent but complementary systems. The first system is the Maneuverable Neutron Radiography System (MNRS). The MNRS is used to inspect intact aircraft structures for moisture and corrosion with minimal disassembly of the airframe. The system is comprised of two source manipulating robots, one being an overhead six-axis gantry robot and the other four-axis floor mounted robot. Each robot utilizes 50 milligrams of Californium-252 as the neutron source. The Californium-252 source is robotically manipulated around the aircraft to the desired inspection location. The second independent inspection system is based around a one-megawatt TRIGA nuclear reactor with four neutron beam tubes which terminate in four separate concrete bays. Two of these bays are each equipped with a six-axis component positioning system (CPS) robot and radioscopic imaging equipment. This combination allows for high throughput production inspection of aircraft components for moisture and corrosion.

Citation Download Citation

Kevin C. Shields and Wade J. Richards "Aircraft inspection using neutron radioscopic techniques", Proc. SPIE 2455, Nondestructive Evaluation of Aging Aircraft, Airports, Aerospace Hardware, and Materials, (7 July 1995); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.213526

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