Inspection of extended objects with fast neutrons: numerical tests

Abstract

This paper presents a pilot study on numerical simulations of images produced when 14.7 MeV neutrons are considered for the inspection of extended objects. The simulations are performed using a 3-D Monte Carlo subroutine complex (3D-MCSC-RWR) that is free of limitations in the representation of the system and operates in continuum space on point-wise nuclear data files. Numerically generated images prove that the image of a void ( Ø = 2 mm, h = 2 mm) in an iron slab (10 cm) can be recorded by a real-time recording-system if a 10 12−10 13 neutrons/pulse source is considered, as for the case of a plasma focus machine.