Computing the gamma-ray, charged particles and fast neutron-shielding performances of selected alloys

Abstract

Gamma-ray, charged particles and neutron-shielding properties of ternary alloy materials, (97.3 – x) Pb – x Cd – 2.7Ag (x = 10, 18 and 30) have been theoretically investigated. First, the effectiveness of gamma-ray shielding for the alloys was studied by using the Phy-X/PSD programme. Mass and linear attenuation coefficients (MAC and LAC), half-value layer (HVL), tenth-value layer (TVL), mean free path (MFP), effective atomic numbers (Zeff), effective electron densities (Neff) and effective conductivity (Ceff) were calculated for photon energy range 0.015–15 MeV. Second, the mass stopping powers (MSPs; dE/ρdx; MeVcm2/g) and ranges for electron, proton and alpha particle interactions were calculated at energy 0.01–20 MeV. Finally, the removal cross-section of fast neutron (FNRCS) for the alloys was calculated by the partial density method. Moreover, the neutrons and gamma-rays shielding effectiveness of ternary alloys were investigated using Monte Carlo (MCNP4b). The MCNP4b calculations were performed for neutrons in the energies 4 and 4.5 MeV. While the shielding parameters of gamma rays were done in the energy range of 0.015–15 MeV. The obtained results of radiation shielding showed that the P1 sample owns a good shielding effectiveness against neutrons and gamma rays compared to previously published studies. The comparison of the computed values has revealed a reasonable agreement between Phy-X/PSD and MCNP4b. This study gives essential data for potential applications of these materials in nuclear reactor core design and other industries for the evaluation of effective ionising radiation shielding materials.