Abstract: A system and method for high-speed radiographic inspection of fluid transport vessels in which a radiation source and a radiation detector are positioned on opposite sides of the outside surface of the vessel. A positioning system is provided for moving and locating the radiation source and radiation detector longitudinally with respect to the vessel and for moving the radiation source and radiation detector circumferentially with respect to the vessel. In operation, the positioning system causes the radiation source and radiation detector to spiral along the vessel in a coordinated manner while the radiation source illuminates an adjacent region of the vessel with radiation. The radiation is converted into corresponding electrical signals used to generate images of objects in the radiation path. Finally, an operator inspects the images for defects.

Abstract: A system and method for using the detector to differentiate neutron attenuating material from high x-ray attenuating material in an object. The inspection system is used to detect the presence of nitride in titanium sponge nuggets or residual core material in a hollow-cast turbine engine blades. The inspection system uses a dual radiation source to alternately emit neutrons and x-rays or gamma rays at the object under inspection. A dual modality gas ionization detector detects the radiation passing through the object and sends the detected radiation to a processing means for image generation. The generated image is displayed on a display, enabling objects formed with low and high attenuating material to be distinguished.

Abstract: A dual modality gas ionization detector for differentiating neutron attenuating material from high x-ray attenuating material in an object. The dual modality gas ionization detector uses .sup.3 He and Xe gases pressurized in an ionization chamber to detect neutrons x-rays or gamma rays. The dual modality gas ionization detector is used in an inspection system for detecting, characterizing, or differentiating small amounts of neutron attenuating materials in objects composed primarily of materials of large attenuating x-ray material.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for monitoring and controlling cure cycles of composite structures utilize specialized NMR sensor (14) embedded into critical regions in the interior of composite structures (18) to provide in-situ cure state information. Signals developed by the NMR sensors (14) during the curing cycle are processed by an NMR spectrometer (30) to determine selected NMR parameters including T.sub.1, T.sub.2, T.sub.1D, and T.sub.2 * of the materials in the vicinity of the sensor, from which the rigidity of the materials are deduced. Experimental data show clear trends in values of particular NMR parameters taken as time series during cure cycles. Cure cycle control is accomplished using output data from an enhanced NMR spectrometer (30*) to drive temperature and pressure controllers (38, 42) of a curing oven (20*) for real time process control.

Abstract: A two dimensional mosaic scintillation X-ray or Gamma ray detector has many mosaic elements. A reflecting means, e.g., an epoxy with TiO.sub.2, is disposed between the elements to reduce optical cross-talk. The elements have wide narrow ends and either the wide ends or the narrow ends can receive the incident X-rays. A photodetector is optically coupled to the remaining ends either by being directly secured thereto or by way of a lens or optical fibers. The detector has communicating wide and narrow grooves and can be made by first forming the wide grooves from a first side and then forming the narrow grooves from the second side.