The versatility of radioisotopes in modern industry is illustrated by means of a number of recent nuclear applications within General Motors. Thickness, density, and moisture gages are described. A new radiography source, ytterbium-169, is shown to be valuable for radiographing thin sections of steel and aluminum. Also covered are the measurement of silicon content of iron by activation analysis, and the use of radioactive tracers to detect headlamp leakage rates, damping fluid penetration in gyros, and grease content of pregreased automotive parts.
