Additional neutron beams can be extracted from the nuclear reactor at McClellan AFB adding to the value of this recent investment for future unique DOD and commerial applications. Hydrogen, readily absorbed in critical metal structures, can cause catastrophic embrittlement. Neutrons can provide nondestructive inspection to screen items such as jet engine blades. Examples of aircraft crash attributed to hydrogen embrittlement have been cited. Another foreseeable value is reduced engine maintenance cost. The same neutron radiation source could be used for neutron capture therapy for previously incurable cancers such as grade IV glioblastoma of which annually 500,000 people die world wide. The feasibility of adding these capabilities at the McClellan Nuclear Radiation Center without interference with the existing operations has been established in Phase I of this SBIR project. The Phase II project follows through from the conceptual design to provide detailed design and validation for implementation.
Keywords: Neutron Radiology Hydrogen Embrittlement Engine Blade Inspection Neutron Capture Therapy
