Attenuation of 4-32MV x-rays in ordinary concrete, heavy concrete, iron and lead

The broad-beam attenuation coefficients for lead, iron, heavy concrete and ordinary concrete were evaluated using the X-ray beams from a 32 MeV betatron, a 31 MeV betatron and a 6 MeV linear accelerator for the purpose of the design of the protective shielding to be placed around high energy accelerators. Attenuations in these materials were determined by measuring the ionization in a cavity in a water phantom behind various thicknesses of materials. The variation in tenth-value thickness with field size for these materials is discussed on the basis of data obtained from the attenuation measurements. The tenth-value thickness for these materials is shown as a function of X-ray energy. The tenth-value thicknesses determined using the three X-ray generators are compared.