Abstract: A method and apparatus for the detection of undesirable surface deformities is disclosed wherein a known (linear) light pattern is reflected off a fabricated part having a nominally smooth surface, the reflected light pattern subsequently being analyzed for distortions from the expected light pattern. The extent of the detected distortions may be quantified by the use of a computer having appropriate software, in order to identify and quantify unacceptable surface deformities.

Abstract: A method of measuring the density of a first material containing a moderator of fast neutrons comprising the steps of: emitting fast neutrons into a sample having a predetermined volume confined in a predetermined shape and sensing the rate of slow neutrons emerging from the sample for each of a plurality of samples of a second material, each of the plurality of samples of the second material having a different known density and neutron moderating and absorbing characteristics that are substantially the same as the neutron moderating and absorbing characteristics of the first material; emitting fast neutrons into a sample of the first material having a predetermined volume confined in a predetermined shape; sensing the rate of slow neutrons emerging from the sample of first material; and comparing the rate sensed in the sensing of the sample of the first material with the rates sensed in the sensing of the plurality of samples of the second material to determine the density of the first material.