Photon attenuation coefficients of different rock samples using MCNPX, Geant4 simulation codes and experimental results: a comparison study

The photon attenuation coefficients for the rocks (Feldspathic basalt, Compact basalt, Volcanic rock, Pink granite, Sandstone and Dolerite) have been investigated using MCNPX and Geant4 codes for photon energies 122, 356, 511, 662, 1170, 1275 and 1330 keV. Comparison of the simulation and experimental results of mass attenuation coefficients is presented. The exposure buildup factors also have been calculated with the help of the G-P fitting method. The comparison showed reasonable agreement between the simulated and experimental data for all rocks. The results show that sandstone has the highest mean free path as well as exposure buildup factor which signifies that sandstone requires a larger thickness for protection from photons.