Double-differential primary target neutron yields from dual-thick-target proton and heavy ion accelerator experiments

Abstract

Experiments at the NASA Space Radiation Laboratory were performed to develop a benchmark dataset relevant to space radiation shielding scenarios by bombarding aluminum and polyethylene targets with galactic cosmic ray-like ion beams. Unique to this experiment, a dual-target configuration was used to emulate an enclosed environment in space in which the radiation environment must be characterized. Neutrons produced by interactions in both thick targets were detected and characterized; this paper discusses the neutrons produced in the most upstream of the two thick targets, detailing the role of source ion and target configuration on neutron yield.