Analysis of concrete labyrinth shielding and radiation dose for APF plasma focus neutron source by FLUKA Monte Carlo code

Abstract

In this paper Monte Carlo simulations have been performed for the attenuation of neutrons radiation produced by a 4 kJ plasma focus device through labyrinth shielding design with various thicknesses. At the test site that will be fired with deuterium and deuterium fusion (D–D) resulting in a yield of about 109 fusion neutrons of 2.45 MeV. This poses a radiological hazard to scientists and personnel operating the device. The goal of this study is to evaluate various shielding options under consideration for the plasma focus operating with D–D fusion. Shields of varying neutrons-shielding effectiveness were investigated using concrete materials. The most effective shield between labyrinth structure allowed almost 9.52E+6 shots per year while keeping personnel under 20 mSv of dose. The most expensive shield that is used labyrinth shield with 75 cm concrete thickness on the walls allowed almost 9E+8 shot per year.