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Cosmic ray radiation effects caused by proton-induced fragmentation
W Heinrich1, T Streibel, M Ahrendt
1Department of Physics, University of Siegen, Germany.
Radiation Measurements
|January 1, 1997
Summary
This study investigates proton-induced nuclear reactions in space, crucial for understanding radiation hazards. Researchers measured fragmentation cross sections and fragment kinematics using CR-39 detectors to improve space radiation predictions.
Area of Science:
- Space physics
- Nuclear physics
- Radiation detection
Background:
- Space radiation, including heavy ions and protons, causes significant energy transfer and material damage.
- Protons from the lower radiation belt, particularly in the South Atlantic Anomaly (SAA), are key contributors to target fragmentation.
- Understanding interactions below 100 MeV is vital for predicting space radiation hazards.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure proton-induced fragmentation cross sections for carbon targets at approximately 70 MeV/nucleon.
- To characterize the kinematics of target fragments produced in these interactions.
- To contribute to a detailed understanding of space radiation effects for hazard prediction.
Main Methods:
- Experimental measurement of proton-induced fragmentation cross sections.
- Utilized CR-39 track detectors for experimental setups.
- Analysis of target fragment kinematics.
Main Results:
- Preliminary measurements of proton-induced fragmentation cross sections for carbon targets at ~70 MeV/nucleon.
- Initial characterization of target fragment kinematics.
- Data provides foundational information for radiation hazard models.
Conclusions:
- The study provides essential experimental data on proton-nucleus interactions relevant to space radiation.
- Understanding these interactions is critical for mitigating radiation risks for astronauts and equipment.
- The findings support the development of more accurate space radiation environment models.