Testing the Radiation Shielding Potential of Residential Walls

Overview

Objectives/Goals The purpose of my science fair project is to determine the radiation shielding potential of residential walls; how well residential walls protect from gamma radiation. Methods/Materials Using a radiation source (Tc-99m), a survey meter (Ludlum model 3-98), and a home-made caliper, I measured the attenuation and thickness of various walls. I took a second measurement at each location without the wall. I calculated the transmission ratio factor, percent change and HVL (Half Value Layer) for each wall and analyzed the results to see how well the walls shielded the radiation. Results Some residential walls blocked greater than 50% of the radiation and had relatively small Half Value Layers (10-20 centimeters thick). The walls with standard 2x4 wood construction performed the best of residential walls tested. Conclusions/Discussion I found that walls with the most common type of construction - 2x4's with dry wall - shielded greater than 50% of radiation projected on them. This was a better than expected result and leads me to conclude that residential walls of this nature have a fairly high shielding potential against gamma radiation.

Competition history

• CSEF 2012 Materials Science (Junior Division Only) · Entry J1315

Resources

• CSEF project summary ↗

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