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Estimation of Moisture Content by Neutron Scattering: Effect of Sample Density and Composition

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Abstract

SINCE it was first developed about 19501,2 the technique of estimating moisture content by neutron scattering has been extensively used in the determination of soil moisture. In recent years, workers in several countries have extended the method to other materials3, utilizing in some instances the surface probe technique developed by Pawliw and Spinks for concrete4. The basic assumptions in all these measurements have been (a) that the thermalizing power of hydrogen is so great in comparison with other elements that the slow neutron flux measured by the instrument can be ascribed solely to the hydrogen present in the sample5, and (b) that there is a unique relationship between hydrogen content and slow neutron flux except when elements of high capture cross-section for neutrons are present3a.

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References

  1. Belcher, D. J., Cuykendall, T. R., and Sack, H. S., Civil Aeron. Admin. U.S.A. Tech. Develop. Rep. No. 127 (1950).

  2. Spinks, J. W. T., Lane, D. A., and Torchinsky, B. B., Can. J. Tech., 29, 371 (1951).

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  3. a, Church, G. R., and Smith, D. B., A.E.R.E. I/R 1687 (Harwell, 1955). b, Yaltkaya, E., and Senturk, S., Rilem Bull., Rep. No. 15, 110 (1962). c, Amrhein, E., Dietzel, A., and Metzner, K., Ber. dtsch. keram. Ges., 37, 311 (1960). d. Preiss, K., and Grant, P. J., J. Sci. Instr., 41, 548 (1964).

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  4. Pawliw, J., and Spinks, J. W. T., Can. J. Tech., 34, 503 (1957).

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  5. Burn, K. N., Rilem Bull., Rep. No. 15, 91 (1962).

  6. Lachaud, R., Ann. Inst. Batim., Rep. No. 193, 83 (1964).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. C.S.I.R.O. Division of Building Research, Melbourne, Australia

    E. H. WATERS & G. F. MOSS

Authors
  1. E. H. WATERS
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  2. G. F. MOSS
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WATERS, E., MOSS, G. Estimation of Moisture Content by Neutron Scattering: Effect of Sample Density and Composition. Nature 209, 287–289 (1966). https://doi.org/10.1038/209287a0

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