Tungsten alloy neutron shielding primarily functions to decelerate neutrons, absorb neutrons, and attenuate secondary gamma rays in neutron radiation environments.
Unlike pure neutron-absorbing materials (such as boron and cadmium ceramics), tungsten alloy shielding is often used as part of a mixed neutron-gamma shielding layer, making it particularly suitable for use in environments where high-energy fast neutrons and high-intensity gamma radiation coexist.
Working Principle:
- High-Density Gamma Shielding: Tungsten has an atomic number of 74 and a density of 17–18.5 g/cm3, effectively attenuating high-energy gamma rays accompanying neutron radiation.
- Neutron Scattering and Capture: Its high atomic weight significantly inelastically scatters fast neutrons, effectively attenuating neutron energy within a mixed shielding structure. ? Secondary radiation suppression: High atomic number materials may produce gamma rays after neutron capture, but the excited state lifetime of tungsten is short and the gamma emission energy distribution is relatively concentrated, which facilitates subsequent multi-layer shielding absorption.
