Workload weighed transmission curves of Brazilian shielding materials: computer simulations

Computer simulations were performed using modified TBC Model (Costa,P.R. et al, Health Physics 92(1),2007) through the MathCad program generating primary X-ray spectra in the range of 60 to 150 kV. Elemental compositions of five commercial barite concretes used for shielding diagnostic facilities were obtained from fluorescence spectroscopy. The NIST X-COM software was used in order to getting the mass attenuation coefficient of each sample. Mass density of every one sample was measured by using Archimedes method. These densities were combined to the results of the mass attenuation coefficients for obtaining the linear attenuation coefficients of each sample under study. These densities were combined to the results of the mass attenuation coefficients for getting the linear attenuation coefficients of every one sample. Transmitted spectra were calculated through applying Beer Law. This operation was performed for obtaining the transmission curve calculated by energy integration of these spectra. The method proposed by Archer et. al (MedPhys.21(9);1994) was used for obtaining α, β and γ coefficients for each kV evaluated and for each shielding materials. (author)