The neutron radiography facility at Ward Center consists of a filtered and collimated beam of neutrons emanating from the through port of the TRIGA reactor (See N-Ray Facility Schematic). The L/D ratio for a 1" aperture ranges from ~116 for real time radiography (10" diameter beam) utilizing the Thomson tube camera, to ~151 (14" diameter beam) using film. The introduction of a smaller 0.5" aperture into the collimation system results in L/D ratios twice the above values with a four fold reduction in beam intensity. With the usual 1" aperture, the typical film radiograph can be completed in 15 minutes resulting in an average film density of 2. High speed pulse radiography with exposure times of ~30 milliseconds is also available. The gamma dose to the object for the typical radiograph is approximately 1 RAD. The beam's resolution, neutron to gamma dose ratio, and uniformity make it a Class I radiography facility.
Film processing is accomplished in the Center's darkroom utilizing a Kodak automatic film processor that yields excellent film density and uniformity. Duplicate negatives and positive prints are also available.