RADIATION SHIELDING AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURE

• Main Authors: Doane, Samuel, Everett, Patrick, Hawn, David, Akinsulire, Olorunsola, Bates, Ethan, DeWitte, Jacob, Richard, Joshua G
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 20.04.2023
• Subjects: DECONTAMINATION ARRANGEMENTS THEREFOR; NUCLEAR ENGINEERING; NUCLEAR PHYSICS; NUCLEAR REACTORS; PHYSICS; PROTECTION AGAINST X-RADIATION, GAMMA RADIATION, CORPUSCULARRADIATION OR PARTICLE BOMBARDMENT; TREATING RADIOACTIVELY CONTAMINATED MATERIAL

Radiation shielding and methods of manufacture are disclosed. A radiation shielding apparatus includes a matrix including matrix material; and a mixture positioned in the matrix, the mixture including: a neutron thermalizing material; and a neutron absorbing material mixed with the neutron thermalizing material. A reactivity control system includes a container rotatable around an axis; a divider positioned inside the container to define two or more compartments within the container; at least one neutron absorber positioned in at least one of the two or more compartments; and at least one neutron reflector positioned in another of the two or more compartments that is fluidly isolated from the at least one of the two or more compartments. A method of manufacturing radiation shielding material includes: fabricating a matrix; generating a mixture by mixing a neutron absorbing material, a neutron thermalizing material, and additive materials; and loading the mixture into the matrix.