Shielding design to mitigate neutron-induced single event upsets in space

Area of Science:

• Space exploration
• Materials science
• Radiation physics

Background:

• Space modules require robust radiation shielding for crew and electronics.
• Traditional aluminum structures present limitations in radiation protection.
• Novel materials are being investigated to enhance safety in space environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate charged particle and neutron environments in space modules made from different structural materials.
• To assess the impact of these environments on single event upset (SEU) error rates in silicon devices.
• To determine the radiation shielding effectiveness of organic composite materials compared to aluminum.

Main Methods:

• Monte Carlo simulations were employed to model radiation environments.
• Analysis included charged particle and neutron interactions within various module materials.
• Single event upset (SEU) rates were calculated based on simulated radiation conditions.

Main Results:

• Organic composite modules exhibited charged particle environments similar to aluminum structures.
• Neutron environments differed significantly, with organic composites showing reduced impact.
• Organic composites reduced SEU rates by up to 55% compared to aluminum.
• Thermal neutrons (<100 meV) contributed ~10% to SEU rates in a human habitat scenario.
• A 100-μm Gd2O3-enriched coating effectively eliminated thermal neutron contributions to SEUs.

Conclusions:

• Organic composite materials show promise for improving radiation safety in space.
• Combining organic composites with thermal neutron absorption coatings offers significant advantages.
• These materials and coatings can enhance protection for both astronauts and sensitive electronic devices.