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Overview of active methods for shielding spacecraft from energetic space radiationDuring the 1960's and into the early 1970's, investigations were conducted related to the feasibility of using active radiation shielding methods, such as afforded by electromagnetic fields, as alternatives to passive, bulk material shielding to attenuate space radiations. These active concepts fall into four categories: (1) electrostatic fields; (2) plasma shields; (3) confined magnetic fields; and (4) unconfined magnetic fields. In nearly all of these investigations, consideration was given only to shielding against protons or electrons, or both. During the 1980's and 1990's there were additional studies related to proton shielding and some new studies regarding the efficacy of using active methods to shield from the high energy heavy ion (HZE particle) component of the galactic cosmic ray spectrum. In this overview, each concept category is reviewed and its applicability and limitations for the various types of space radiations are described. Recommendations for future research on this topic are made.
Document ID
20040088556
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Townsend, L. W.
(The University of Tennessee Knoxville, Tennessee 37996-2300, United States)
Wilson, J. W.
Date Acquired
August 21, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2001
Publication Information
Publication: Physica medica : PM : an international journal devoted to the applications of physics to medicine and biology : official journal of the Italian Association of Biomedical Physics (AIFB)
Volume: 17 Suppl 1
ISSN: 1120-1797
Subject Category
Aerospace Medicine
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other
Keywords
NASA Discipline Radiation Health
NASA Center LaRC
Review, Tutorial
Review

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