Neutron Imaging of Advanced Transportation Technologies

Unlike X-rays, neutrons are very sensitive to light elements such as hydrogen (H) atoms and can penetrate through thick layers of metals (Figure 1a). These two properties suggest neutrons are well suited to probe engine parts such as diesel particulate filters, exhaust gas recirculation coolers, fuel injectors, oil in engines, oil residues in filters, batteries, advanced materials, etc. Neutron imaging is based on the interactions of a sample with a neutron beam. The interactions are dependent on sample thickness/density and elemental make-up and result in absorption and scattering of neutrons within the sample. A two-dimensional position-sensitive detector placed behind the sample can measure the transmitted neutron flux (Figure 1b). When combined with a high-precision (~1/100 of a degree) rotational stage, it is possible to perform computed tomography (CT) scans and thus generate 3-dimensional images of working fluids inside real devices. Samples can be analyzed at one position or a complete reconstruction can provide a cross-section of the entire sample at a resolution of the detector; the detector resolution is currently at ~50–80 microns (at the detector).