Benchmarking PHITS Simulations with XCOM for Photon Attenuation Analysis of Iron Portland Concrete
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: This study evaluates photon attenuation characteristics of Iron-Portland (IP) concrete using Monte Carlo simulations with Particle Heavy Ion Transport System version 3.35 and benchmarks the mass attenuation coefficient results against XCOM calculations. Simulations were performed in the photon energy range of 0.06–0.16 MeV under narrow beam conditions. The PHITS results show good agreement with XCOM data, with relative deviations generally below 15%, confirming the reliability of PHITS for photon attenuation analysis. Based on the validated model, attenuation parameters including Mass Attenuation Coefficient, Linear Attenuation Coefficient, Half Value Layer, Mean Free Path, and Tenth Value Layer were evaluated for IP concrete and compared with ordinary concrete, aluminum, and copper. Iron-Portland concrete exhibits higher attenuation coefficients and lower shielding thickness parameters than ordinary concrete, indicating improved photon shielding performance due to its high iron content and density. The consistent trends among all attenuation parameters demonstrate the physical coherence of the simulation results and support the applicability of PHITS for radiation shielding evaluation of iron-based concrete materials. Keywords: Benchmark, Attenuation Coefficient, PHITS
Institution: Diponegoro University
Language: English
Subfield: Materials Chemistry
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7204012361