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Nuclear model calculations and their role in space radiation researchProper assessments of spacecraft shielding requirements and concomitant estimates of risk to spacecraft crews from energetic space radiation requires accurate, quantitative methods of characterizing the compositional changes in these radiation fields as they pass through thick absorbers. These quantitative methods are also needed for characterizing accelerator beams used in space radiobiology studies. Because of the impracticality/impossibility of measuring these altered radiation fields inside critical internal body organs of biological test specimens and humans, computational methods rather than direct measurements must be used. Since composition changes in the fields arise from nuclear interaction processes (elastic, inelastic and breakup), knowledge of the appropriate cross sections and spectra must be available. Experiments alone cannot provide the necessary cross section and secondary particle (neutron and charged particle) spectral data because of the large number of nuclear species and wide range of energies involved in space radiation research. Hence, nuclear models are needed. In this paper current methods of predicting total and absorption cross sections and secondary particle (neutrons and ions) yields and spectra for space radiation protection analyses are reviewed. Model shortcomings are discussed and future needs presented. c2002 COSPAR. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All right reserved.
Document ID
20040087893
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Townsend, L. W.
(The University of Tennessee Knoxville, TN 37996-2300, United States)
Cucinotta, F. A.
Heilbronn, L. H.
Date Acquired
August 21, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2002
Publication Information
Publication: Advances in space research : the official journal of the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR)
Volume: 30
Issue: 4
Subject Category
Nuclear Physics
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other
Keywords
NASA Center JSC
Non-NASA Center
Review
NASA Discipline Radiation Health
Review, Tutorial

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