Comparison of Gamma Radiation Shielding Parameters of Lead, Rhenium, and Elgiloy Alloy in Radiation Practices Using Geant4 Simulation Code

This study compares the gamma radiation shielding performance of Rhenium (Re) and Elgiloy alloy with Lead (Pb) using the Geant4 Monte Carlo simulation code. LAC and HVL values of the materials were calculated and compared against the library data. Ten different energy levels which are ranging from 59.5 keV to 2.754 MeV were analyzed to represent the various radiation practices and interaction modes. Results indicate that Rhenium has better shielding performance than Lead mostly due to its higher density, and its Half-Value Layer (HVL) is approximately 40% lower than Lead at 662 keV. Although the Elgiloy alloy’s shielding performance is weaker than Lead, there are some studies demonstrating that it has some remarkable physical properties such as ultimate tensile strength and corrosion resistance. Thus, Elgiloy can be used as a structural component in radiation applications due to its physical strength and resistance. This study suggests that Rhenium can be a better shielding alternative to Lead. Especially in some medical and industrial practices where low volume and temperature resistance are main constraints. Additionally, Elgiloy can be considered as a supportive element in the structural body and as a complementary shielding layer under extreme environmental conditions.