Characterization of Attenuating Properties of Novel Composite Radiation Shields

Abstract

Leakage (peripheral dose) of current radiation devices used in treating tumors could have significant side effects on patients’ quality of life and life span after radiation treatment. A novel design of sandwich radiation shields is being developed at the present time. This design would provide a unique and adaptable device in shielding danger peripheral radiation reaching healthy organs. The present research aims at determination of attenuating properties of the proposed composite radiation shields using experimental, analytical and numerical simulated techniques. The present work indicates that any of the evaluation techniques could be used successfully with the future development of radiation shield design. The results reveal that the filler material thickness of the composite shield has the strongest effect on the shielding capability of the design. Shell material type and thickness have very little effects on the shielding capability and should only be considered for their load carrying capacity and manufacturability by 3-D printing techniques.