Project Info
Additively Manufactured Radiation Shielding
Jeffrey King | kingjc@mines.edu
This project will develop plastic filaments impregnated with neutron and/or gamma ray absorbing materials. The resulting filaments can be used in low-cost fused-filament 3-D printers to produce radiation shields in a variety of custom configurations. The project will study different methods of adding absorbers to filaments and how the resulting filaments impact the strength/usability of parts printed with them.
Interested students are encourage to contact Dr. King for more information.
Student Preparation
Qualifications
Basic familiarity working in a lab setting. Experience with 3D printing technologies (primarily filament-style printers) is a plus. Familiarity with CAD/design software will be helpful.
Student is required to attend the basic lab safety training offered by Environmental Health and Safety at Mines.
Time Commitment
4-5 hours/week
Skills/Techniques Gained
Familiarity with ionizing radiation and radiation shielding. In depth knowledge of the production of plastic printer filaments and 3-D printing techniques.
Mentoring Plan
The student will join the King Research Group and will interact with Dr. King and the other students in Group on a weekly basis.