Engineering

Geotechnical engineering

Materials science

Nuclear physics

Geology

Neutron

Physics

Nuclear engineering

Neutron imaging

Geomechanics

Geomechanics for Energy and the Environment

During the last few decades, a number of advanced experimental techniques have provided an unprecedented insight into the behaviour of geomaterials. A notable example are the so-called full-field techniques such as x-ray and neutron imaging, which allow the non destructive characterisation of the 4D (3D+time) response of geomaterials undergoing hydro–chemo–thermo-mechanical loading. While x-ray tomography has over the last decade become a pillar in the domain, neutron imaging remains a relatively less known tool. The unique properties of a neutron beam, such as high sensitivity to hydrogen (e.g., water, hydrocarbons), high penetration into metals (allowing the imposition of extreme boundary conditions), and isotope sensitivity (e.g., D2O/H2O), make neutron imaging an extremely interesting tool for experimental geomechanics. This paper reviews the contribution of neutron imaging to geomechanics. A particular focus is given to the potential of some very recent developments, such as the combination with simultaneous x-rays and substantial improvements in spatial and temporal resolution.

Neutron imaging for geomechanics: A review