Elastic modulus, nuclear radiation transmission properties of Fe-based/contained novel alloys for critical radiation applications

This study explores the gamma-ray and neutron shielding properties and mechanical performance of eight Fe-based alloys with varying elemental compositions and densities. Different parameters such as mass attenuation coefficients, linear attenuation coefficients, half-value layer, tenth-value layer, mean free path, fast neutron removal cross-sections, transmission factors were analysed using PHITS and Phy-X/PSD codes. Moreover, elastic modulus values were calculated for each alloy sample. Our results reveal that the S9 alloy, with high density and tungsten contribution, exhibited superior shielding and mechanical properties, achieving the lowest TF, HVL, and TVL values. In contrast, the low-density S1 alloy performed weakest, reflecting its lighter elemental composition. Intermediate alloys like MAR-302 and Cupero-Nickel showed balanced performance, suitable for moderate shielding needs. Strong correlations between elemental compositions, particularly high-Z elements like tungsten and boron, and shielding efficiency were observed. It can be concluded that optimizing elemental composition and density is critical for designing alloys with enhanced multifunctional properties.