Project Info
Development of 3-D Printed Radiation Shielding
Jeffrey King | kingjc@mines.edu
Radiation shielding is important in any field that uses ionizing radiation (space exploration, nuclear medicine, nuclear reactor design, etc.). The ability to manufacture custom shield geometries on-demand would provide both economic benefits and the ability to reduce radiation doses by careful shield design. The project is focused on developing and demonstrating new 3-D printer filaments that are doped with radiation absorbing materials, with the intent to eventually commercialize these materials.
More Information
“https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radiation_protection
Shultis and Faw, _Radiation Shielding_, American Nuclear Society, 2000.”
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Student Preparation
Qualifications
Ability to design parts in CAD and produce parts using a Filament Deposition Manufacturing (FDM) printer. Basic shop skills and the ability to design/manufacture aluminum structures using 80/20 extrusion. Ability to operate and troubleshoot machinery. Calculate and prepare chemical mixtures. Conduct basic research beyond the use of Google searches.
Time Commitment
20-40 hours/month
Skills/Techniques Gained
An introduction to radiation and radiation effects. Experience producing 3-D printer filaments. Material characterization and examination techniques.
Mentoring Plan
Weekly meetings, supplemented by hands-on instructional sessions. Work supervised by a graduate student in my group.