Neutrons Versus X-Rays

Abstract

As X-ray and neutron stress analysis are both diffraction methods, they have many common features. The major advantage of neutrons is their high penetrating power which makes them a very attractive tool for the determination of both macro-and microstresses. However, the comparatively low brightness of neutron sources limits the spatial resolution and / or the throughput. The low speed of the neutron measurements is a particular handicap in view of the very limited beam time available at present day neutron sources. Therefore neutron and X-ray stresses analysis should not be considered as competing, but as complementary techniques.