Abstract
This study investigated the shielding properties of five glass samples (same molecular composition, varying component percentages) against nuclear radiation using Geant4 Monte Carlo. Calculations determined the linear attenuation coefficient, MFP, TVL, and HVL for the samples against [Formula: see text](60 keV), [Formula: see text](662 keV), and [Formula: see text] (1.2 MeV) sources. Mass attenuation coefficients were calculated and compared with XCOM data. Photon intensity reduction was analyzed. Given the [Formula: see text] base and boron's neutron absorption, neutron shielding was expected. The samples were tested against [Formula: see text]-Be and [Formula: see text] mixed sources, calculating reduced neutron/photon flux and transmitted radiation spectra. Proton beam shielding was investigated, determining the maximum proton energy stopped by each sample. Using a MIRD phantom and the [Formula: see text]source, dose reduction in the body and organs due to the shields was calculated. Results show higher density improves shielding; sample 5 (densest) performed best. For photons, sample 5's shielding was ~ 3.2 greater than sample 1 at 60 keV, and ~ 1.2 greater at 1.2 MeV. Lower energies showed better shielding, with [Formula: see text]performing better overall. 1 cm thick samples against protons showed denser samples had higher shielding; sample 1 stopped 53 MeV protons, increasing by 1 MeV per sample to sample 5.2 cm thick samples between the [Formula: see text]source and MIRD phantom reduced whole-body dose by 28% (sample 1) and 40% (sample 5). Simulation is a cost-effective way to assess shielding performance, revealing strengths and weaknesses against various radiation types and energies.