Visualization of a Fired Two-Stroke Chain Saw Engine Running at Idle Speed by Dynamic Neutron Radiography

Dynamic neutron radiography is a non-destructive inspection method. It provides different attenuation contrast compared, e.g., to common X-ray imaging. This allows neutrons to penetrate centimeter thick layers of metals while fuel or lubricants can still deliver good visibility. With beam cross sections between 3 cm and 30 cm (squared), neutron radiography is an ideal tool for the visualization of running combustion engines. Here we report on an experiment that demonstrates the feasibility to visualize a fired two-stroke chain saw engine running at idle speed (~ 3000 rpm). A sequence of single frames of the running engine was recorded and combined into a movie which provides a view into the moving parts of the engine, the combustion chamber and the crank case.