  A direct method is proposed for reconstruction of the effective atomic number
by means of multi-energy radiography of the material. The accuracy of the
method is up to 95% . Advantages over conventional radiographic methods, which
ensure accuracy of just about 50%, are discussed. A physical model has been
constructed, and general expressions have been obtained for description of the
effective atomic number in a two-energy monitoring scheme. A universal
dependence has been predicted for the effective atomic number as a function of
relative (two-energy) radiographic reflex. The established theoretical law is
confirmed by the experimental data presented. The proposed development can find
multiple applications in non-destructive testing and related fields, including
those in the civil sphere as well as anti-terrorist activities.
