and analysis of the motion and distribution situation of the
gases. Thus, this isotope has earned the title of "omnipotent
tracer atom".
In recent years, a certain technology of superficial
activation has gained rapid development in its application
in the study of wearing and corrosion of material. The tracer
atom used in the said technology is produced through the
nuclear reaction (activation) exerted on the surface of the
material by the micro-particles, the speed of which has been
increased by the accelerator. For example, in steel the cobalt-
60 is produced whose activation area is generally 1 square
centimeter, and the depth of the superficial layer is 25-300
micrometers, while the activity is only several micro-curies.
By means of the measurement of the change of radioactive inten-
sity on the surface of the material, what can be directly
achieved is the on-the-spot accurate measuring of the wear
and corrosion of the material. Currently, this technology has
found its wide application in measuring the wear and corrosion
of cylinders, sleeve, piston rings, servo pieces of
cam, injection nozzles for combustion, mechancial tools, pump
gears, and such like parts. The merits this method can boast
of include: sensitivity, high speed, precision; hence far
better than the method of scaling and the conventional dimensional
method of measuring.
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The Translation Division of Tai Dao Publishing Ltc