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An applied magnetic field causes the electrons present in the molecule to circulate, setting up a local diamagnetic current within the molecule. The local diamagnetic current arising from circulating sigma-bonding electrons induces a magnetic field, Blocal that opposes the applied magnetic field, B0. The effective magnetic field experienced by these nuclei is given by the difference between the applied and local magnetic fields in a phenomenon called local diamagnetic shielding. Essentially,...
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Construction of a Compact Low-Cost Radiation Shield for Air-Temperature Sensors in Ecological Field Studies
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Optimal shielding thickness for galactic cosmic ray environments.

Tony C Slaba1, Amir A Bahadori2, Brandon D Reddell3

  • 1NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton VA 23681, USA.

Life Sciences in Space Research
|February 19, 2017
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Astronaut shielding against galactic cosmic rays (GCR) may see increased radiation dose with thicker aluminum, contrary to previous assumptions. This study verifies a dose minimum around 20g/cm² aluminum, highlighting neutron build-up effects.

Keywords:
FLUKAGeant4HZETRNMCNP6PHITSRadiation shieldingRadiation transportSpace radiation

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Area of Science:

  • Space radiation physics
  • Astrophysics
  • Nuclear engineering

Background:

  • Space missions require effective astronaut shielding against galactic cosmic rays (GCR).
  • Passive shielding is often deemed infeasible due to mass and cost constraints.
  • Previous models assumed shielding mass solely reduces exposure.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To verify the existence of a local minimum in dose equivalent versus aluminum shielding thickness.
  • To compare radiation shielding effectiveness of aluminum and polyethylene.
  • To analyze the physical interactions causing dose build-up and model uncertainties.

Main Methods:

  • Evaluation of various Monte Carlo (MC) codes and 3DHZETRN in slab geometry.
  • Comparison of aluminum and polyethylene shielding up to ~20g/cm².
  • Analysis of dose equivalent build-up and particle transport variations.

Main Results:

  • A local minimum in dose equivalent was observed near 20g/cm² of aluminum shielding.
  • Polyethylene shielding did not exhibit a similar dose minimum.
  • Significant uncertainties in model predictions for light ions and neutron-induced fragments were identified.

Conclusions:

  • Adding shielding mass, particularly aluminum beyond ~20g/cm², can increase astronaut radiation exposure due to neutron build-up.
  • Material choice (e.g., aluminum vs. polyethylene) significantly impacts radiation shielding effectiveness.
  • Further research is needed to refine transport models and reduce uncertainties for accurate space radiation shielding design.