Use of a Low-Energy Van de Graaff Accelerator in Neutron Radiography of Encased Explosives

A neutron radiographic capability has been established at the Pantex ERDA Plant, Amarillo, Tex. A 3 MeV Van de Graaff generator has been installed and initial neutron radiographs have been made. The instrument has been employed to observe discontinuties of explosives encased in aluminum, lead, steel, Adiprene (a polyurethane), and combinations of these materials. These data demonstrate that the instrument possesses the capability of producing satisfactory neutron radiographs of many explosive-loaded components fabricated at Pantex Plant. Additional work will be performed to fully determine the capabilities of the 3 MeV Van de Graaff generator.