Monte Carlo assessment of gamma ray attenuation properties for MCP-96 alloy using transmission technique

Abstract

The photon attenuation properties of a material can be evaluated using the linear attenuation coefficients (μl), mass attenuation coefficients (μm) and related parameters such as mean free path (mfp) and half and tenth values thickness (HVT) , (TVT) respectively etc.In present work, a new procedure of computer simulation program based on Monte Carlo method and photon attenuation technique was designed and written to be as virtual experimental system, instead of the real experimental system, concerning evaluation of attenuation properties for materials. The attenuation coefficients, as well as several other properties, were determined for MCP-96 alloy to assess its use in radiation applications. The density of alloy, also, was calculated. These provide followed the histories of numerous emitted photons from radioactive source. These photons with varying energies will pass through various thicknesses of MCP-96 alloy. The count rate for the beam of incident photons, after that the attenuation within the alloy was took place, was determined for each varying thickness of the alloy. Plotting the thickness of the alloy versus the corresponding logarithmic count rate of the beam will allow calculation of the attenuation properties. Counted photons were treated by means of correction factor. This factor gave present simulated results good agreement with XCOM program output and published experimental results. Contributing the porosity in the error percentage of simulated density value was discussed. Our simulation results are useful for training and development of human resources, staff and students, in the field of application of nuclear techniques, particularly, in radiation shielding protection