Effectiveness of Multi-Layered Radiation Shields Constructed from Polyethylene and Metal Hydrides Using HZETRN and OLTARIS for Space Applications

وی. وی, سری‌دِوی; لالوانی, کاویتا

doi:10.22034/jsst.2025.1520

Effectiveness of Multi-Layered Radiation Shields Constructed from Polyethylene and Metal Hydrides Using HZETRN and OLTARIS for Space Applications

نوع مقاله : مقالة‌ پژوهشی‌

نویسندگان

سری‌دِوی وی. وی

کاویتا لالوانی

گروه فیزیک، دانشکاه ملی فناوری مالاویا جیپور،هند

10.22034/jsst.2025.1520

چکیده

A major challenge for extended human spaceflight in deep space is the hazardous exposure to space radiation, which consists of high-energy particles that pose significant risks to astronaut health. Effective radiation shielding is essential to mitigate these risks. This study optimizes the shielding performance of a multi-layered structure composed of polyethylene and metal hydrides for space applications. Using two simulation tools: HZETRN and OLTARIS, developed by NASA, we model these structures and evaluate dose equivalent in a Galactic Cosmic Ray (GCR) free-space radiation environment, which is the primary and major contributor to radiation exposure for long-duration space missions. Among the materials studied, lithium hydride exhibits the highest shielding effectiveness. The results on the dose equivalent are compared with aluminum, a conventional shielding material, revealing that the multi-layered structure constructed from polyethylene and lithium hydride provides a 54.9% improvement in shielding effectiveness while maintaining structural stability. Additionally, the dose equivalent contribution of different radiation particles (protons, alpha particles, and heavy ions) and their flux are analyzed for further validation across both tools. Our results highlight the effectiveness of multi-layered shielding in reducing dose equivalent while maintaining structural stability, making it a viable solution for deep-space missions.

کلیدواژه‌ها

Space radiation

Metal hydrides

Polyethylene

HZETRN

OLTARIS

موضوعات

اثرسنجی تشعشعات بر سامانه‌های فضایی

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