• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• 제38권3호
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• pp.225-230
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• 2006

With the advent of inexpensive computing power over the past two decades, applications of Monte Carlo radiation transport techniques have proliferated dramatically. At Los Alamos, the Monte Carlo codes MCNP5 and MCNPX are used routinely on personal computer platforms for radiation shielding analysis and dosimetry calculations. These codes feature a rich palette of variance reduction (VR) techniques. The motivation of VR is to exchange user efficiency for computational efficiency. It has been said that a few hours of user time often reduces computational time by several orders of magnitude. Unfortunately, user time can stretch into the many hours as most VR techniques require significant user experience and intervention for proper optimization. It is the purpose of this paper to outline VR strategies, tested in practice, optimized for several common radiation shielding tasks, with the hope of reducing user setup time for similar problems. A strategy is defined in this context to mean a collection of MCNP radiation transport physics options and VR techniques that work synergistically to optimize a particular shielding task. Examples are offered in the areas of source definition, skyshine, streaming, and transmission.

• 대한방사선기술학회지:방사선기술과학
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• 제42권6호
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• pp.429-434
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• 2019

The gonads are directly affected by radiation exposure during radiography of the pelvis, abdomen, and spine. Exposure of the gonads to radiation can cause genetic mutations and can result in the occurrence of malignant tumors. In this study, we created three types of shielding material shapes for shielding of the ovaries, which are the gonads of female during radiography of the pelvis, and comparative evaluations using shadow shielding methods. The source surface distance(SSD) was 100 cm and the field size was 42 cm × 43 cm. The three types of shielding material shapes(type 1, 2 and 3) were assessed and the entrance surface dose in the ovaries were measured. The thickness of the shielding material was expanded from 0.3 mm to 2.4 mm and after five repetitions, radiation values were measured and mean values were calculated. The mean dose were 3.09 mGy for type 1, 3.54 mGy for type 2, and 3.19 mGy for type 3, indicating that the measurements were the lowest for type 1. When an additional filter of 0.2 Cu + 1 Al was used, the dose were 3.72 mGy for type 1, 5.43 mGy for type 2, and 4.05 mGy for type 3, indicating that the measurements were the lowest for type 1. The results show that, even if the shielding material is not thick, in other words, even with a thickness of 2.94 mGy for the SN 3(0.9 mm) of type 1, shielding can be achieved, with a patient dose lower than the diagnostic reference level(3.42 mGy). Additionally, among the three types of shielding material, the type 1 appeared to be the most appropriate shielding material. It is thought that the use of shielding material could reduce the risk factors for stochastic effects or critical effects of ionizing radiation during pelvic or lumbar radiography.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• 제56권1호
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• pp.301-308
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• 2024

Ceramic materials are being explored as alternatives to toxic lead sheets for radiation shielding due to their favorable properties like durability, thermal stability, and aesthetic appeal. However, crafting effective ceramics for radiation shielding entails complex processes, raising production costs. To investigate local viability, this study evaluated Malaysian ceramic tiles for shielding in diagnostic X-ray rooms. Different ceramics in terms of density and thickness were selected from local manufacturers. Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) and X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) characterized ceramic compositions, while Monte Carlo Particle and Heavy Ion Transport code System (MC PHITS) simulations determined Linear Attenuation Coefficient (LAC), Half-value Layer (HVL), Mass Attenuation Coefficient (MAC), and Mean Free Path (MFP) within the 40-150 kV energy range. Comparative analysis between MC PHITS simulations and real setups was conducted. The C3-S9 ceramic sample, known for homogeneous full-color structure, showcased superior shielding attributes, attributed to its high density and iron content. Notably, energy levels considerably impacted radiation penetration. Overall, C3-S9 demonstrated strong shielding performance, underlining Malaysia's potential ceramic tile resources for X-ray room radiation shielding.

• Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
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• 제40권2호
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• pp.92-100
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• 2015

경수로 사용후핵연료 건식 중간저장시설의 방사선영향평가 효율성 개선을 목적으로 '선원항 지정방법에 따른 민감도 평가', '2-Step 계산'기법 개발 및 '냉각기간 이득효과' 적용에 따른 방사선 영향평가를 수행하였다. 본 연구에서는 저장건물의 용기배열 순서에 따라 순차적으로 선원항을 지정하여 직접선량에 미치는 민감도를 평가하였으며, 차폐건물 외벽에서의 방사선량은 내벽과 인접한 최근접 2개 열에 의한 영향이 지배적임을 확인하였다. 또한, 저장시설에 차폐 건물이 도입될 경우, 막대한 전산해석 시간을 감소시키기 위해 '2-Step 계산'기법을 수립하여 평가한 결과는 절반가량의 해석시간으로 직접(1-Step) 계산결과와 유사한 결과를 도출하였다. 마지막으로, 저장시설에 순차적으로 저장되는 저장용기의 보관기간을 사용후핵연료의 실제 냉각기간을 적용하면 건물 외벽에서의 방사선량이 냉각기간을 모두 동일하게 설정한 계산값에 비해 40% 정도 낮게 평가됨을 확인하였다. 본 연구는 중간저장시설의 방사선 영향평가를 위한 몬테칼로 차폐해석 방법의 효율성을 향상시키고자 수행되었으며, 좀 더 다양한 사례에 대한 평가를 통하여 신뢰성을 향상시킨다면 저장시설의 설계 및 부지경계 기준설정에 활용할 수 있을 것이다.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• 제54권4호
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• pp.1456-1463
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• 2022

The aim of this work is to study the radiation shielding properties of cement samples with waste glass incortated into its composition. The mass attenuation coefficient (MAC) of the samples were experimentally determined to evaluate their radiation shielding ability. The experimental coefficient was evaluated using NaI detector for gamma energies between 59.53 keV and 1408.01 keV using different radioactive point sources Am-241, Eu-152, Co-60, and Cs-137, and the gamma transmission parameters half-value layer, mean free path, and transmission factor were calculated. The theoretical coefficient of the composites was determined using Geant4 and XCOM software. The results were also compared against Geant4 and XCOM simulations by calculating the relative deviation between the values to determine the accuracy of the results. In addition the mechanical properties (including Compressive and porosity) as well as the thermogravimetric analysis were tested for the present samples. Overall, it was concluded that the cement sample with 50% waste glass has the greatest shielding potential for radiation shielding applications and is a useful way to reuse waste glass.

• 한국의학물리학회지:의학물리
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• 제33권4호
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• pp.53-62
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• 2022

In this study, we have investigated the shielding evaluation methodology for facilities using kV energy generators. We have collected and analysis of safety evaluation criteria and methodology for overseas facilities using radiation generators. And we investigated the current status of shielding evaluation of domestic industrial radiation generators. According to the statistical data from the Radiation Safety Information System, as of 2022, a total of 7,679 organizations are using radiation generating devices. Among them, 6,299 facilities use these devices for industrial purposes, which accounts for a considerable portion of radiation. The organizations that use these devices evaluate whether the exposure dose for workers and frequent visitors is suitable as per the limit regulated by the Nuclear Safety Act. Moreover, during this process, the safety shields are evaluated at the facilities that use the radiation generating devices. However, the facilities that use radiating devices having energy less than or equal to 6 MV for industrial purposes are still mostly evaluated and analyzed according to the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements 49 (NCRP 49) report published in 1976. We have investigated the technical standards of safety management, including the maximum permissible dose and parameters assessment criteria for facilities using radiation generating devices, based on the NCRP 49 and the American National Standards Institute/Health Physics Society N.43.3 reports, which are the representative reports related to radiation shielding management cases overseas.

• 한국방사선학회논문지
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• 제11권5호
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• pp.329-334
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• 2017

본 연구는 의료방사선 차폐를 위해 의료 환경에 적합한 친환경 소재를 찾아 방사선 차폐 시트 제작의 가능성을 추정하고자 하는 것이다. 현재 차폐 소재로 주로 사용되는 납을 대신한 텅스텐 제품이 많이 있으나, 경제성으로 인해 경량의 차폐 시트의 대량생산에는 다소 문제가 있다. 이러한 문제점을 해결하기 위해 경제성 있는 경량 친환경 소재를 필요로 한다. 이러한 소재로써 본 연구에서는 황산바륨과 요오드를 제안하였다. 두 물질은 방사선 촬영에서 이미 조영제로 사용되고 있어 방사선을 흡수하는 특성으로 차폐 재료로써 일정 영역에서 충분히 차폐효과가 있을 것으로 예측하고 있다. 따라서 본 연구에서는 방사선 차폐 재료로 검증하기 위해 몬테카를로 시뮬레이션을 이용하여 모의 추정하였다. 황산바륨과 요오드 등 조영제인 경우 고에너지 영역에서 방사선 흡수효과가 크게 나타나, 의료방사선 고관전압 촬영영역 120 kV의 두께별 에너지영역에서 두 차폐물질의 유효성을 평가하였다. 모의 추정 결과 두 물질 모두 차폐의 유효성을 추정할 수 있었다. 요오드가 황산바륨보다 차폐효과 높았으며, 0.05mm 두께에서는 효과성이 크게 나타났다. 따라서 방사선차폐 시트의 제작 재료로 방사선 조영제인 요오드도 황산바륨과 같이 가능하다는 것을 몬데카를로 시뮬레이션을 통해 확인 할 수 있다.

• 한국방사선학회논문지
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• 제18권1호
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• pp.11-20
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• 2024

최근 인터벤션의 중요성이 증가한 만큼 시술을 수행하는 의료진의 건강에 대한 관심이 높아지고 있다. 기존의 방사선 차폐 기구는 시술자의 동선을 제한하고 감염의 위험으로 인해 적절하게 사용되지 못했으며 시술자의 생식선과 나아가 시술실 전체 영역의 적절한 방사선 차폐가 이루어지지 못했다. 시술 시 사용되는 팔꿈치 지지대에 차폐체(bismuth)를 부착하여 보조 차폐 기구를 제작하였고 방사선 차폐 효과를 측정하였다. 측정 결과, 평균 공간 선량률이 약 64.8% 감소하였으며 독립표본 T검정 분석 결과 유의확률 이하(p<0.05)로 통계학적으로 유의미하게 나타났다. 보조 차폐 기구의 사용은 시술자의 생식선 차폐 및 시술실 전체 영역의 방사선 공간 선량률을 감소시킬 수 있는 효과적인 차폐 방법으로 사료된다.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• 제36권1호
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• pp.1-11
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• 2004

Two approximate methods for a cosmic radiation shielding calculation in low earth orbits were developed and assessed. Those are a sectoring method and a chord-length distribution method. In order to simulate a change in cosmic radiation environments along the satellite mission trajectory, IGRF model and AP(E)-8 model were used. When the approximate methods were applied, the geometrical model of satellite structure was approximated as one-dimensional slabs, and a pre-calculated dose-depth conversion function was introduced to simplify the dose calculation process. Verification was performed with mission data of KITSAT-1 and the calculated results were also compared with detailed 3-dimensional calculation results using Monte Carlo calculation. Dose results from the approximate methods were conservatively higher than Monte Carlo results, but were lower than experimental data in total dose rate. Differences between calculation and experimental data seem to come from the AP-8 model, for which it is reported that fluxes of proton are underestimated. We confirmed that the developed approximate method can be applied to commercial satellite shielding calculations. It is also found that commercial products of semi-conductors can be damaged due to total ionizing dose under LEO radiation environment. An intensive shielding analysis should be taken into account when commercial devices are used.

• Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
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• 제18권2호
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• pp.27-35
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• 1993

중수로형 원자로에서 방출되는 사용후핵연료 다발을 안전하게 운반할 목적으로 CANDU 수송용기에 대한 방사선차폐해석을 수행하였다. 핵연료의 연소도는 7,800MWD/MTU, 냉각기간은 5년으로 하여 ORIGEN2 코드로 방사선원을 구하고 이것으로 핵연료 378다발을 운반할 수 있는 수송용기의 차폐체 두께변화에 따른 선량을 영향을 비교하였다. 계산은 ANISN과 DOT4.2 코드를 사용하였으며, 해석결과 최적의 차폐구조를 선정 하였으며, 또한 IAEA 및 국내 원자력법의 수송법규에 명시된 정상수송 및 가상사고조건에 따른 차폐해석을 수행하여 CANDU 수송용기의 안전성을 입증하였다.