ACCELERATOR-BASED TESTS OF RADIATION SHIELDING PROPERTIES OF MATERIALS USED IN HUMAN SPACE INFRASTRUCTURES

• DOI: 10.1097/01.hp.0000288560.21906.4e
• Publication Date: 2009-03-05T13:41:02Z
• Authors: C Lobascio; M Briccarello; R Destefanis; M Faraud; G Gialanella; G Grossi; V Guarnieri; L Manti; M Pugliese; A Rusek; P Scampoli; M Durante
• Keywords: Space Radiation

Shielding is the only practical countermeasure for exposure to cosmic radiation during space travel. It well known that light, hydrogenated materials, such as water and polyethylene, provide best shielding against radiation. Kevlar Nextel are two materials of great interest spacecraft because their ability protect human infrastructures from meteoroids debris. We measured response simulated heavy-ion these compared it Lucite (PMMA), aluminum. As proxy galactic nuclei we used 1 GeV n iron or titanium ions. Both physics biology tests were performed. The results show Kevlar, which rich in carbon atoms (about 50% number), an excellent material. Physics its effectiveness close (80-90%) data suggest can reduce chromosomal damage more efficiently than PMMA. less efficient a shield, expected reduction on dose roughly half provided by same mass polyethylene. effective aluminum attenuation dose.