Neutron Shielding Calculator

Model flux reduction for fast or thermal neutrons. Pick materials, units, and buildup assumptions easily. Export clear results for reports, audits, and design reviews.

Calculator White theme Responsive grid
Inputs support cm, mm, m, and inches.
Shield setup
Defaults use typical fast-neutron removal cross sections. Override for your spectrum and material composition.
Energy label is recorded for exports.
Use 1 if you only want transmission.
Set B = 1 to ignore scatter buildup.
For layered mode, estimates last-layer thickness.

Layer inputs Each layer uses ΣR and thickness.
Layer 1
Moderator + absorber
Auto-filled from material; you may override.
Converted internally to centimeters.
Layer 2
Common structural shield
Auto-filled from material; you may override.
Converted internally to centimeters.
Layer 3
Best for gammas, not primary for neutrons
Auto-filled from material; you may override.
Converted internally to centimeters.
Example data
Scenario Layers B τ Transmission Transmitted flux
Fast neutrons, two-layer shield Borated Polyethylene (5% B) (10 cm), Concrete (ordinary) (20 cm) 1.2 2.55 0.0936979992 93698 n/cm²·s
Numbers use typical ΣR defaults and are for demonstration only.
Formula used

This calculator uses the exponential attenuation model with a macroscopic neutron removal cross section (ΣR). For each layer, the optical thickness is:

τi = ΣR,i · xi

For multiple layers, optical thickness adds, and the uncollided transmission is:

T0 = e−∑τi

A buildup factor (B) can be applied to approximate scattered contribution:

T = B · T0

The transmitted flux is Φ = Φ0 · T. Half-value and tenth-value layers are:

HVL = ln(2)/ΣR,   TVL = ln(10)/ΣR

ΣR depends on neutron energy and material composition. Use measured or vendor-provided values when available.
How to use
  1. Select Single material or Layered shield, then choose the number of layers.
  2. Enter the incident flux (or keep 1 to focus on transmission only).
  3. Pick a material for each layer; ΣR is auto-filled and can be overridden.
  4. Enter thickness and units for each layer.
  5. Optional: set a buildup factor and a target transmission to estimate last-layer thickness.
  6. Press Calculate to show results above the form, then export CSV/PDF.
Safety note: Neutron shielding is application-specific. Always verify with qualified experts, transport calculations, and applicable standards before construction or operation.

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Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.