Space neutron radiation shielding property of continuous fiber and functional filler reinforced polymer composite using Monte Carlo simulation

For radiation shielding and lightweight requirements, fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composite has advantages in serving as a structure-shielding multifunctional material due to low-Z element nature and excellent mechanical properties. This study established the Monte Carlo simulation model of continuous fiber and filler reinforced epoxy composite to research neutron radiation shielding, which contains the microstructure of the composite. For validation, the numerical results of the proposed model were compared with the experimental results and found in good agreement. Then, the effects of fiber and filler distribution were studied. The neutron linear and mass attenuation coefficients of various composites were simulated to evaluate the shielding performance and lightweight effect. It shows that the boron compound is critical for shielding thermal neutrons, and the shielding effectiveness for fast neutrons mainly depends on the type of fiber. The structural design and stacking sequence of fibers and fillers significantly affect neutron shielding performance. Compared with Al-alloy, obvious low-weight advantage is obtained for shielding neutrons. The shielding mechanism and energy deposition inside composites were also analyzed.