access icon free Monte Carlo simulation of biological shielding parameters in PGNAA

A prompt γ neutron activation analysis (PGNAA) facility based on a 252Cf spontaneous fission neutron was performed with the final goal of obtaining various optimised radiation protection design parameters. MCNP Monte Carlo code was used to simulate the lead (Pb) shield thickness on two sides of the sample chamber, and B4C, B2O3, LiOH, LiF, and borax were selected as neutron-absorbing materials that were simulated to determine optimal parameters for the optimal design of a biological multilayer composite shield. A series of calculations performed with the MCNP code indicated that the 5 cm thick Pb innermost layer of a biological shield rapidly reduced fast neutrons, and a moderation layer of 25 cm thick paraffin, 20 mm thick borax, and 2 mm thick B4C were selected as neutron-absorbing materials. The calculated biological shield protection parameters satisfied the requirements of the PGNAA facility used in the experiment.

Inspec keywords: composite material interfaces; biological effects of gamma-rays; lead; radiation protection; neutron absorption; lithium compounds; boron compounds; multilayers; neutron activation analysis; Monte Carlo methods; spontaneous fission

Other keywords: MCNP Monte Carlo code; sample chamber; optimised radiation protection design parameters; neutron-absorbing materials; lead shield thickness; thick paraffin; LiF; Pb; 252Cf spontaneous fission neutron; B2O3; prompt γ neutron activation analysis; PGNAA; moderation layer; size 2 mm to 25 cm; LiOH; Monte Carlo simulation; biological shielding parameters; thick borax; B4C; PGNAA facility; thick Pb innermost layer; biological multilayer composite shield

Subjects: Spontaneous fission; Nuclear chemical analysis; Biological effects of ionizing radiations (UV, X-ray, gamma-ray; particle radiation effects); Radiation protection and dosimetry; Neutron absorption; Probability theory, stochastic processes, and statistics; Monte Carlo methods

http://iet.metastore.ingenta.com/content/journals/10.1049/mnl.2017.0644
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content/journals/10.1049/mnl.2017.0644
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