EDN: TIDAPX
Authors & Affiliations
Alekseev P.A., Isachenkov I.A., Pyshko A.P.
N.A. Dollezhal Research & Development Institute of Power Engineering, Moscow, Russia
Alekseev P.A. – Leading Researcher, Cand. Sci. (Tech.).
Isachenkov I.A. – Research Engineer. Contacts: 1, pl. Bondarenko, Obninsk, Kaluga region, Russia, 249033. Tel.: +7 (484) 399-70-00 (add. 51-16); e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Pyshko A.P. – Head of department, Cand. Sci. (Phys.-Math.).
Abstract
The paper presents a computational study of radiation shielding properties of lithium hydride (LiH) with different lithium isotopic compositions. Particular attention is given to assessing the technical and economic feasibility of using enriched lithium hydride by 6Li as a material for radiation shielding, particularly for application in space nuclear power systems. To evaluate shielding performance, a series of simulations was conducted. They included whole range of lithium enrichment level and thicknesses of LiH shield. Dose values and neutron flux were measured at distance of 15 meters from a reactor core. The method applied allowed to establish how lithium enrichment level affects mass and shielding performance. The results demonstrate that enrichment level has little effect on neutron attenuation. However, gamma attenuation significantly depends on lithium enrichment. An optimization analysis was performed to identify the most favorable isotopic composition of LiH. For each enrichment level, optimal configurations of light and heavy shield were determined. The best shielding performance was achieved with pure 6Li in LiH. From an economic perspective, applicability of enriched LiH remains uncertain, since total costs depends on multiple market factors and require deeper assessment. However, in particular cases the use of enriched LiH can become a viable option, particularly in the context of increased 6Li production.
Keywords
radiation shielding, ionizing radiation, gamma radiation, neutron radiation, lithium hydride, lithium-6, lithium-7, techno-economic assessment
Article Text (PDF, in Russian)
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UDC 621.039.538
Problems of Atomic Science and Technology. Series: Nuclear and Reactor Constants, 2026, no. 1, 1:5
