Radiation shielding calculations of some selected rare earth oxides

Radiation shielding parameters of oxidized compounds of some selected rare earth elements were determined. These parameters are mass absorption coefficient, effective atomic number, electron density, half-value layer, tenth value layer, and mean free path values. A variable energy x-ray (VEX) source was used as an exciter in the system, where these basic parameters will be determined. An experimental setup was prepared in attenuation geometry. Experimentally measured and theoretically calculated mass attenuation values of the target materials were used to calculate radiation protection parameters. As can be seen from previous works, the WinXCOM program efficiently calculates theoretical atomic cross-sections and mass absorption coefficients. As a result of the search for alternatives to this software, ParShield and Phy-X programs have emerged at different times. In this study, the validity of ParShield and Phy-X programs produced as other options to the WinXCOM program were tested, and the results were found to be entirely satisfactory. •The radiation shielding parameters are commonly used in nuclear power plants and healthcare organizations.•The radiation shielding parameters have been determined experimentally and theoretically.•The energy range's width provides a large work area.•Our present experimental values are in good agreement with theoretical values.