ASTM E2023-22 PDF

Overview

ASTM E2023-22 is the Standard Practice for Fabrication of Neutron Radiographic Sensitivity Indicators, published by ASTM International. This standard specifies the procedures and requirements for manufacturing Sensitivity Indicators (SIs), which are essential tools in assessing the image quality of film radiographs created by direct, thermal neutron radiographic examination. Accurate and consistent fabrication of these indicators is crucial for effective nondestructive testing, especially in industries where evaluating the integrity of components is critical.

This practice is fundamentally linked to the reliability of neutron radiography, providing a means to determine the qualitative sensitivity of radiographs, particularly in terms of detecting holes, gaps, and other discontinuities within materials or components.

Key Topics

• Purpose of Sensitivity Indicators (SI):

  • SIs serve as a substitute for reference standards, offering qualitative information on the detectability of holes and gaps in neutron radiographic images.
  • Their proper fabrication ensures that the radiographic process consistently meets specified quality criteria.

• Material and Construction:

  • SIs are constructed from cast acrylic resin (methylmethacrylate) and high-purity aluminum.
  • The assembly involves precise layering and machining of various shims and strips to create gaps and holes of known dimensions.

• Fabrication Process:

  • Stepwise instructions outline milling channels, inserting shims, and assembling the SI to exact dimensional tolerances.
  • Careful certification, including measurement verification and thermal neutron radiograph comparisons, ensures the SIs meet rigorous standards.

• Usage with ASTM E545:

  • SIs fabricated to this standard are used in accordance with ASTM E545, which outlines the procedure for determining image quality in direct thermal neutron radiography.

• Quality and Certification:

  • Manufacturers must document and maintain fabrication and measurement records.
  • Certification procedures verify that each SI matches reference standards and meets all specified tolerances.

Applications

• Nondestructive Examination (NDE): SIs are primarily used with direct thermal neutron radiography for nondestructive testing of materials and components. They help determine the relative image quality and sensitivity of radiographs, which is especially valuable in applications where internal features, flaws, or inclusions must be reliably detected.

• Reference Standard Substitution: In scenarios where direct reference standards of the test material are impractical, SIs fabricated per ASTM E2023-22 provide consistent and reproducible indicators of radiographic sensitivity.

• Quality Assurance in Manufacturing and Maintenance: Industries such as aerospace, nuclear, defense, and advanced manufacturing implement SIs to ensure that neutron radiographs used in quality control and maintenance detect critical flaws and maintain high safety standards.

• Regulatory and Certification Processes: The standardized methodology for SI fabrication supports compliance with international regulations on nondestructive examination and helps fulfill contractual requirements in supply chains.

Related Standards

• ASTM E545: Test Method for Determining Image Quality in Direct Thermal Neutron Radiographic Examination. Specifies how to use SIs for assessing radiograph quality.
• ASTM E748: Guide for Thermal Neutron Radiography of Materials. Provides general guidance on neutron radiography methodologies.
• ASTM E543: Specification for Agencies Performing Nondestructive Testing. Sets qualification requirements for agencies performing NDT.
• ASTM E1316: Terminology for Nondestructive Examinations. Standard definitions used throughout nondestructive examination standards.

Keywords: neutron radiography, sensitivity indicators, nondestructive testing, image quality, ASTM E2023, fabrication, reference standard, film radiography, quality control