ON THE RADIOGRAPHIC MERITS OF THE 1000 PKV RESONANT TRANSFORMER AND THE VAN DE GRAAFF X-RAY GENERATORS

An experimental comparison of a 1000-pkv resonant transformer x-ray generator and a 1000-kv Van de Graaff x-ray generator has been conducted based on the technical aspects of the units as they are applied to industrial radiography. Radiographic exposure techniques and resolution data from the application of the generators to the radiography of aluminum sections up to 10 inches, steel sections up to 6 inches, and uranium sections up to 1 inch are presented. Field intensity distribution, experimental focal spot data, and direct radiographic enlargement data are also presented. It is concluded that the resonant transformer unit has a slight advantage in the contact radiography of thin to moderate sections, and that the Van de Graaff unit has a slight advantage in the application to thicker sections and a definite advantage in direct radiographic enlargement. (auth) l8O68 The development of computers is briefly reviewed, and the computer center at the University of Pisa is described. Computer origin and evolution, analog and numerical machines, structure of a computer, principal constituent parts, and the principal characteristics of the instrument are surveyed. The computers in existence or under construction are tabulated. The use of the computer by the nuclear engineer is reviewed. The origin,more » organization, and purpose of the Pisa Center are discussed. (J.S. R.)« less