Gamma-ray, fast neutron and ion shielding characteristics of low-density and high-entropy Mg–Al–Ti–V–Cr–Fe–Zr–Nb alloy systems using Phy-X/PSD and SRIM programs

This study aimed to assess the radiation shielding properties of ten low-density high-entropy alloys (LWHEAs) using Phy-X/PSD software to analyze various shielding parameters, such as attenuation coefficients ([Formula: see text] and μ), mean free path (λ), effective atomic number ([Formula: see text]), and removal cross-section ([Formula: see text]), in the energy range of [Image: see text] to [Image: see text]. A comprehensive evaluation was performed to compare the attenuation outcomes provided by HEAs with a range of shielding materials documented in the literature. The study also calculated the build-up factors (BUFs) of the alloys by using the GP-fitting interpolation method. The stopping power of the alloys against [Formula: see text] ions was analyzed using the SRIM Monte Carlo code, considering total stopping power (TSP) and projected range (PR). The results indicated that HEA8 ([Formula: see text]) had the best performance in terms of shielding against γ-rays, fast neutrons, and [Formula: see text] ions, as it achieved the highest values of parameters such as [Formula: see text] , μ, [Formula: see text] , and [Formula: see text] , along with the lowest values of HVL, TVL, λ, BUFs ([Image: see text] [Image: see text]), TSP, and PR. On the other hand, HEA10 ([Formula: see text]) had the lowest BUFs in both lower ([Image: see text] [Image: see text]) and higher ([Image: see text] [Image: see text]) energy regions. The order of [Formula: see text] for the alloys was found to be [Formula: see text]. The study concluded that LWHEAs possess superior radiation shielding properties compared to conventional materials, making them a promising new class of materials for radiation shielding applications.