Interaction of radiation with shielding

shieldin [edit]

Diagram showing various forms of ionizing radiation,, and the sort of material that is used to stop or
reduce that type.

The total absorption coefficient of lead (atomic number 82) for gamma rays, plotted versus gamma
energy, and the contributions by the three effects. Here, the photoelectric effect dominates at low
energy. Above 5 MeV, pair production starts to dominate.

Different types of ionizing radiation interact in different ways with shielding material. The
effectiveness of shielding is dependent on the Stopping power of radiation particles,
particles
which varies with the type and energy of radiation and the shielding material used.
Different shielding techniques are therefore
therefore used dependent on the application and the
type and energy of the radiation.
Particle radiation[edit]]
Particle radiation consists of a stream of charged or neutral particles, both charged ions
and subatomic elementary particles. This includes solar wind, cosmic radiation,
radiation
and neutron flux in nuclear reactors.
reactors

Alpha particles (helium nuclei) are the least penetrating. Even very
energetic alpha particles can be stopped by a single sheet of paper.
Beta particles (electrons) are more penetrating, but still can be absorbed by a
few millimeters of aluminum. However, in cases where high energy beta particles
are emitted shielding must be accomplished with low atomic weight
materials, e.g. plastic, wood, water, or acrylic glass (Plexiglas, Lucite).[6]This is to
reduce generation of Bremsstrahlung X-rays. In the case of beta+ radiation
(positrons), the gamma radiation from the electron-positron annihilation reaction
poses additional concern.
Neutron radiation is not as readily absorbed as charged particle radiation, which
makes this type highly penetrating. Neutrons are absorbed by nuclei of atoms in
a nuclear reaction. This most often creates a secondary radiation hazard, as the
absorbing nuclei transmute to the next-heavier isotope, many of which are
unstable.
Cosmic radiation is not a common concern, as the Earth's atmosphere absorbs it
and the magnetosphere acts as a shield, but it poses a problem
for satellites and astronauts. Frequent fliers are also at a slight risk. Cosmic
radiation is extremely high energy, and is very penetrating.