Class
Article
College
College of Science
Department
Physics Department
Faculty Mentor
JR Dennison
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Abstract
This study explored how different forms of radiation shielding were more or less effective than standard single-layer shielding. Beta and gamma radiation sources were used and measured using a Geiger counter to determine how well the various forms of shielding protect against the radiation. The shielding effectiveness of standard homogeneous materials (e.g., graphite, carbon/epoxy composites, aluminum, and lead) of various thicknesses for different radiation sources was measured to provide standards for comparison. Once a basis of effective shielding was established, the study can go into greater depth into how to use shielding materials to be more effective, to better shield from secondary radiation (e.g., Bremsstrahlung x-rays), or allow controlled amounts of radiation to penetrate. Measurements investigated whether interleaved layering of different high-Z and low-Z shielding materials can be more effective or have different benefits than using a single material for shielding. Braided cabling and mesh materials were used to determine how much radiation, if any, still penetrated through such shielding configurations. The study provides a basis to understand the nature of multilayer graded-Z or braided cable coaxial radiation shielding proposed for the use in high radiation space environments.
Location
Logan, UT
Start Date
4-12-2023 11:30 AM
End Date
4-12-2023 12:30 PM
Included in
Effectiveness of Multilayer Graded-Z Forms of Radiation Shielding
Logan, UT
This study explored how different forms of radiation shielding were more or less effective than standard single-layer shielding. Beta and gamma radiation sources were used and measured using a Geiger counter to determine how well the various forms of shielding protect against the radiation. The shielding effectiveness of standard homogeneous materials (e.g., graphite, carbon/epoxy composites, aluminum, and lead) of various thicknesses for different radiation sources was measured to provide standards for comparison. Once a basis of effective shielding was established, the study can go into greater depth into how to use shielding materials to be more effective, to better shield from secondary radiation (e.g., Bremsstrahlung x-rays), or allow controlled amounts of radiation to penetrate. Measurements investigated whether interleaved layering of different high-Z and low-Z shielding materials can be more effective or have different benefits than using a single material for shielding. Braided cabling and mesh materials were used to determine how much radiation, if any, still penetrated through such shielding configurations. The study provides a basis to understand the nature of multilayer graded-Z or braided cable coaxial radiation shielding proposed for the use in high radiation space environments.