Simulation and prediction of the attenuation behaviour of the KNN-LMN-based lead-free ceramics by FLUKA code and artificial neural network (ANN)-based algorithm

Abstract

The significance and novelty of the present work are the preparation of the non-lead ceramic by the general formula of (1-x) K_0.5Na₀.₅NbO₃-xLa Mn_0.5Ni_0.5O₃ (KNN-LMN) with different x (0<x<0.295) (mol) to examine the shielding qualities of KNN-LMN non-lead ceramic via FLUKA code. The obtained results via FLUKA code are used as input data for training the artificial neural network algorithm and prediction. For this purpose, the radio isotopic ²⁵²Cf neutron source is simulated by the HI-PROBE, RADDECAY and DCYSCORE cards using the FLUKA code. As a result, the neutron-gamma photon shielding ability of the KNN-LMN lead-free ceramics exposed to the ²⁵²Cf neutron source is estimated and predicted. Findings show that by increasing the concentration of the x in (1-x) K_0.5Na₀.₅NbO₃-xLa Mn_0.5Ni_0.5O₃ lead-free ceramics results in an ascending trend in density. In addition, the increment of the x rate (x refers to the concentration of La Mn_0.5Ni_0.5O₃ in KNN-LMN non-lead ceramics) causes an increase in the value of the neutron attenuation parameter ($\sum _t$), and a strong relationship is monitored between $\sum _t$ and density. Moreover, descending order of $(\mathrm{HVL}{)}_{x=0.01}>(\mathrm{HVL}{)}_{x=0.04}>(\mathrm{HVL}{)}_{x=0.07}>\dots >(\mathrm{HVL}{)}_{x=0.25}$ is reported for half-value layer values against gamma photon. From the attained results, it can be concluded that increaisng the rate of x results in the better shielding proficiency in terms of neutron and gamma photon for chosen KNN-LMN-based lead-free ceramics.

Keywords: ANN algorithm; FLUKA simulation; HI-PROBE card; radioisotope source.