Monte Carlo Analysis of Radiation Shielding and Damage in Multi-Layer HDPE Shields

Yıl 2025, Cilt: 1 Sayı: 2, 57 - 73, 30.12.2025

Batuhan Gültekin , Enes Öztürk , Tunahan Recep Torun

https://izlik.org/JA27UB44WM

Öz

In this study, a functionally graded two-layer HDPE composite shield was designed, and its efficacy against secondary space radiation was evaluated using Monte Carlo simulations. The design, combining a neutron-absorbing front layer (6LiH/B2O3 doped) and a gamma-attenuating secondary layer (BiTaO4 doped), significantly outperforms single-layer structures. GEANT4 simulations show that while the front layer efficiently absorbs neutrons, it generates secondary gammas, which are subsequently attenuated by the secondary layer—achieving up to an 85% reduction in the epithermal neutron energy range. FLUKA analyses highlighted a trade-off between shielding and durability: the front layer sustained intense damage (approx. 1200x DPA and 500x TID vs. pure HDPE) due to (n,α) reactions. However, this damage was confined to the first 0.5 cm, preserving the secondary layer's integrity. Consequently, the multi-layer design successfully mitigates primary neutrons and secondary radiation while localizing material degradation.

Anahtar Kelimeler

HDPE , 6LiH , B₂O₃ , BiTaO4 , Radiation Damage , FLUKA

Çok Katmanlı HDPE Zırhlarında Radyasyon Zırhlaması ve Hasarının Monte Carlo Analizi

https://izlik.org/JA27UB44WM

Öz

Bu çalışmada, fonksiyonel derecelendirilmiş iki katmanlı bir HDPE kompozit kalkan tasarlanmış ve ikincil uzay radyasyonuna karşı etkinliği Monte Carlo simülasyonları ile değerlendirilmiştir. Nötron yutucu ön katman (6LiH/B2O3 katkılı) ile gama zayıflatıcı ikincil katmanı (BiTaO4 katkılı) birleştiren bu tasarım, tek katmanlı yapılara göre üstün performans göstermektedir. GEANT4 sonuçları, ön katmanın nötronları soğururken ürettiği ikincil gamaların, ikincil katman tarafından zayıflatıldığını ve epitermal enerji aralığında %85'e varan bir azalma sağlandığını göstermektedir. FLUKA analizleri, zırhlama ve dayanıklılık arasında bir ödünleşim olduğunu vurgulamıştır: (n,α) reaksiyonları nedeniyle ön katman, saf HDPE'ye kıyasla yoğun hasar (yaklaşık 1200 kat DPA ve 500 kat TID) görmüştür. Ancak bu hasarın ilk 0,5 cm ile sınırlı kalması, ikincil katmanın bütünlüğünü korumuş; böylece tasarımın hem radyasyonu hem de lokal malzeme bozunumunu başarıyla yönettiği gösterilmiştir.

Anahtar Kelimeler

HDPE , 6LiH , B₂O₃ , BiTaO4 , Radyasyon Hasarı , FLUKA

Kaynakça

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