VENUS on the horizon: Neutron imaging tool approved for construction at SNS

The world’s brightest neutron source could soon shed light on new ways to improve the energy efficiency and productivity of industrial and manufacturing applica­tions. Approved for construction at the Spallation Neutron Source, the nuclear imaging instrument VENUS (Versatile Neutron Imaging Instrument at the Spallation Neutron Source) will provide a truly translational research platform that links science to engineering applications and solutions.

“Neutron imaging is a noninvasive, nondestructive imaging technique that is complementary to other methods such as x-ray or gamma imaging,” said Ken Tobin, Measurement Science and Systems Engineering Division director and member of the VENUS Instrument Develop­ment Team (IDT).

“VENUS will be equipped with the brightest neutron source, highest energy resolution, and largest field of view available to far surpass conventional neutron imaging capabilities in the world.” ­

Stroboscopic imaging setup of an engine block showing neutrons transmitted through an engine, detected, and finally absorbed by a beam stop using the nuclear imaging instrument VENUS

The VENUS instrument will offer novel energy-selective imaging techniques that directly connect the structures, properties, and function of complex engineering materials and systems to reveal practical and fundamental answers about their real-world performance. Time-of-flight neutrons produced by the neutron source will enable unique nonde­structive imaging similar to hyperspectral imaging in the optical domain. For many engineered components, VENUS will provide three-dimensional residual stress and strain mapping to uncover material and mechanical behaviors dur­ing operation and under exposure to extreme conditions such as heat and pressure.

In late 2008, the IDT received provisional approval from the Neutron Scattering Science Advisory Committee to build VENUS at one of the three available beam lines at the SNS. Approval followed three years of preparation, design, and preliminary testing by the team, whose representatives in­clude researchers from various fields around the world. Con­struction is expected to take place over the next five years.

Throughout the process, the team engaged the DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) in identifying science and engineering problems uniquely addressed by the capabilities of VENUS. Its design will en­able direct studies of practical systems in energy production (including renewable, nuclear, and fossil sources), energy storage, fuel cells, hydrogen storage, vehicle technologies, building technologies, and industrial engineering compo­nent design.

EERE support of conceptual designs and early testing at a prototype beam line at the High Flux Isotope Reactor revealed the technology’s importance and potential impact. In less than one year and with a fraction of the capabilities planned for VENUS, the prototype beam line addressed an influx of user projects with major manufacturers and indus­try leaders including Ford, GM, Chrysler, Toyota, United Tech­nologies Research Center, Cummins Engines, Detroit Diesel, Mack, Delphi, Navistar, PACCAR, John Deere, Caterpillar, Volvo, GE, Whirlpool, DuPont, Thermacore, Mars, and Bush.

In addition to supporting EERE, VENUS will contribute to fundamental understanding in areas important to the Office of Science such as materials chemistry, physical and me­chanical materials behavior, geosciences, plant biology and physiology, and climate change. It will also benefit advanced materials science and engineering programs such as DARPA and ARPA-E and support studies in archaeological, biological, biomedical, forensic, and homeland security applications.