Implementation of the neutron computed tomography by means of Filtered-back Projection algorithm in Tehran Research Reactor

Neutron Computed Tomography (nCT) is proposed as one of the modern and high accuracy 3-dimensional imaging modalities of nondestructive testing of the materials and components. Volumetric rendering and representation capability of tomographic imaging has many advantages for interrogating the internal structures, defect detection and quality testing of objects. Implementation of Filtered Back-Projection (FBP) reconstruction method for nCT facility at Tehran Research Reactor has been investigated in this study. The facility consists of experimental data acquisition system, integrated automation digital imaging system, image processing, FBP reconstruction, and 3D visualization softwares. Test subject was turned within the neutron radiation field at half screen and 360 two-dimensional projections were acquired through data acquisition. Preprocessing was performed on projections and tomographic images of subject were reconstructed using MuhrRec software and FBP algorithm. The results were indicated that reconstructed images have appropriate quality. Internal defects were recognizable having dimensions above the maximum spatial resolution of the facility (~200 µm).