Experimental and Monte Carlo investigation of mass attenuation coefficients of fission product isotopes in molecular precipitates

Mass attenuation coefficients for molecular precipitates have been measured and compared to results using the EGS5 Monte Carlo computer code and results from an empirical formula. This study assesses the mass attenuation coefficients of isotopes that can be readily produced by thermal neutron activation of elements in a reactor and precipitated in molecular compounds. Good agreement exists between measured results and EGS5 simulated results. Results are within reasonable agreement with the empirical mass attenuation formula. These results are further compared to simulated fission product isotopes. This study suggests mass attenuation coefficients of molecular precipitates can be approximated using EGS5, especially in the instance of radioisotopes produced predominantly through uranium fission.