Transmission Measurements of D-T Neutrons through Gadolinium Loaded Concrete and Polypropylene

Abstract

Measurements of certain integral parameters such as transmitted biological dose, secondary r-ray buildup are essential for determining the effectiveness of shield materials. Data on such parameters for gadolinium as an additive in concrete is very sparse in literature. The present work deals with integral measurements as a function of shield thickness for gadolinium loaded concretes and polypropylene. The biological dose was measured using a rem counter. The dose transmission factor reduces as much as 30% in heavy concretes with 1% gadolinium by weight which shows its effectiveness as an additive in concretes. The results also indicate that even in regions where secondary neutrons have not attained complete spectral equilibrium, the integral parameters have nearly exponential attenuation.