The research involves investigation of this structure for its attenuation ability of
gamma-ray and thermal neutron based on measurements and analyses. The experimental
work includes gamma-ray attenuation measurements and thermal neutron measurements,
both of which were carried out in transmission geometries. The gamma-ray attenuation
measurements were performed with a 2 mCi Cesium-137 source and a 1.2 mCi Cobalt-60
source. The thermal neutron attenuation measurements were conducted at the NCSU
PULSTAR Reactor Beam port #5. By filling water and boric acid solution with different
concentrations into the open-cell foams, the attenuated intensities were measured. The
attenuations of the beams were calculated and compared among different types of samples
with different thicknesses.
Results of the tests have revealed the improved attenuation ability of metal foams filled
with fluids compared to bulk materials, as well as weight-saving advantages. Potential
applications in radiation shielding have been implied.