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Utah State University

Physics Capstone Projects

Radiation

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Full-Text Articles in Physical Sciences and Mathematics

Effectiveness Of Multilayer Graded-Z Forms Of Radiation Shielding, Brinley Packer Apr 2023

Effectiveness Of Multilayer Graded-Z Forms Of Radiation Shielding, Brinley Packer

Physics Capstone Projects

This study explored how different forms of radiation shielding were more or less effective than standard single-layer shielding. Beta and gamma radiation sources were used and measured using a Geiger counter to determine how well the various forms of shielding protect against the radiation. The shielding effectiveness of standard homogeneous materials (e.g., graphite, carbon/epoxy composites, aluminum, and lead) of various thicknesses for different radiation sources was measured to provide standards for comparison. Once a basis of effective shielding was established, the study can go into greater depth into how to use shielding materials to be more effective, to better shield …


Optical Relaxation Of Defects In Kapton Caused By Irradiation, Ashlan Keeler Swainston Apr 2020

Optical Relaxation Of Defects In Kapton Caused By Irradiation, Ashlan Keeler Swainston

Physics Capstone Projects

Radiation can create atomic-scale defect states in polymers, leading to changes in their optical, electrical and mechanical properties. Recent studies of polymers have shown that these defect states are sensitive to oxygen or air exposure. It is believed that air cause the number of defect states to decrease and the polymers to revert to their original states. However, the time scale of this regression is not known. This experiment quantified the time that it takes one polymer to recover and the extent of said recovery; polymide (PI). In order to study the regression, optical transmission data were taken using a …


Relaxation Of Radiation Effects In Polymers, Alexandra Hughlett Nelson Dec 2019

Relaxation Of Radiation Effects In Polymers, Alexandra Hughlett Nelson

Physics Capstone Projects

Radiation can create atomic-scale defect states in polymers, leading to changes in their optical, electrical and mechanical properties. Recent studies of polymers have shown that these defect states are sensitive to oxygen or water exposure. It is believed that oxygen cause the number of defect states to decrease and the polymers to revert to their original states. However, the time scale of this regression is not known. This experiment quantified the time that it takes five polymers to recover and the extent of said recovery; polypropylene (PP), low density polyethylene (LDPE), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), polymide (PI), and poly ether …


Uv Degradation Of Polycarbonate, Katie Gamaunt May 2017

Uv Degradation Of Polycarbonate, Katie Gamaunt

Physics Capstone Projects

The decrease in visible and ultraviolet transmission spectra of polymeric and glass spacecraft materials has been measured to determine the extent of degradation due to high-energy UV radiation similar to the solar spectrum (both above and below the stratosphere, which is where most of the UV radiation is absorbed). This project looked at the effects that the atmosphere has in regards to blocking UV radiation and thus, slowing down the UV degradation process. A polycarbonate sample was exposed to radiation from a focused high intensity deuterium lamp source, which generates radiation in the UVA and UVB spectrum. A particularly severe …