2024 - Sustainable Industrial Processing Summit
SIPS 2024 Volume 8. Monteiro Intl. Symp / Composite, Ceramic and Nano Materials Processing
| Editors: | F. Kongoli, P. Assis, H.A.C. Lopera, S. Diaz, V. Scarpini Candido |
| Publisher: | Flogen Star OUTREACH |
| Publication Year: | 2024 |
| Pages: | 288 pages |
| ISBN: | 978-1-998384-18-1 (CD) |
| ISSN: | 2291-1227 (Metals and Materials Processing in a Clean Environment Series) |
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SIMULATED TRANSMISSION FACTOR CALCULATION OF DEPLETED URANIUM DIOXIDE AS SHIELDING FOR GAMMA RADIATION
Ary Machado de Azevedo1; Thomaz Jacintho Lopes2; Sergio Monteiro1; Marcos Paulo Cavaliere de Medeiros1; Fernando Manuel Araújo Moreira1; André Ben-Hur da Silva Figueiredo1;1MILITARY INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; 2MILITARY INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING, Duque de Caxias, Brazil;
Type of Paper: Regular
Id Paper: 220
Topic: 18
Abstract:
The research examined the simulated transmission factor of depleted uranium dioxide for gamma radiation shielding. Depleted uranium dioxide, a dense and mildly radioactive material mainly consisting of uranium-238, finds extensive use in military contexts, notably in armor-piercing munitions[1-2]. However, it also serves civilian purposes like radiation shielding in medical settings, counterweights in aerospace and naval vessels, radiation protection in shielding, and stabilizers in construction[3]. The investigation validated its efficacy in shielding gamma radiation emitted by cesium-137 and cobalt-60 isotopes[4]. The increase in transmission factor for cobalt-60 is not linear, a phenomenon attributed to the manner in which gamma radiation interacts with matter at energies of 1.17 and 1.33 MeV. As gamma ray or electromagnetic radiation energy escalates, its penetrative capacity intensifies. Moreover, the interaction of radiation with matter, particularly the formation of pairs emitting positrons of annihilation, contributes to the heightened transmission factor observed for cobalt-60 energies[5]. With the consideration of the obtained transmission factor results of 11.01% for cesium-137 and 65.56% for cobalt-60, it is apparent that depleted uranium dioxide demonstrates efficacy in shielding against gamma radiation across various energy spectrums[6]. Its exceptional density and inherent radiation absorption capabilities render it indispensable in environments necessitating robust radiation protection measures, such as nuclear facilities, research laboratories, radioactive material storage locales, and space missions. However, prudence mandates a comprehensive evaluation of potential health and environmental risks associated with depleted uranium dioxide utilization[7-8]. The possibility of radioactive particle release underscores the imperative for meticulous safety protocols and rigorous risk assessment frameworks. Consequently, while depleted uranium dioxide stands as a viable option for gamma radiation shielding applications, strategic deployment strategies and stringent safety measures remain pivotal considerations in maximizing its benefits while mitigating associated risks.