Investigation of W, Pb, and Bi elements from neutron shielding point of view

This study investigates the performances of tungsten, lead, and bismuth elements, which are widely used for shielding gamma-ray, from the neutron shielding point of view using the Monte Carlo N-Particle (MCNP6.2) simulation code. The study analyzed the neutron shielding capacities of Al matrix composites containing 30% W, Pb, and Bi. In addition, the shielding properties of secondary gamma-ray with an energy of 0.478 MeV resulting from neutron-boron interaction were also investigated. The results show that for thermal and intermediate energy neutrons, Al-30%W composite gives very good results by separating from Al-30%Pb and Al-30%Bi composites. However, Al-%30Pb and Al-%30Bi composites are also effective for fast neutrons. Regarding the gamma-ray, it was calculated that the Al-30%Pb composite exhibited the highest shielding performance. These findings provide important data on the contribution of W, Pb, and Bi elements used as gamma-ray shielding to neutron shielding in different neutron energy ranges and reveal that these elements should be used strategically with appropriate combinations depending on the neutron energy in neutron shielding designs.