Active Radiation Shielding to Protect Human Habitats During Interplanetary Space Travel
Mentor 1
Prasenjit Guptasarma
Start Date
28-4-2023 12:00 AM
Description
Current radiation shielding in space uses passive methods. These are methods that physically stop radiation from reaching human habitats. The downside to passive shielding is that they do not protect such habitats from high-energy Galactic Cosmic Rays (GCR). These rays are extremely harmful and can often be fatal. The work of this project is to find materials for active radiation shielding using superconductors in which magnetic fields can deflect charged GCRs away from human habitat spaces. We are exploring composite superconducting materials to help maintain both a high critical temperature and a high critical current density. Previously, we focused on polycrystalline superconductors to learn how they work and how to grow crystals. Currently, our primary focus is working on making a single crystal superconductor that has desired benefits for testing purposes. This change requires a modified growth method called the floating zone method and complex machines.
Active Radiation Shielding to Protect Human Habitats During Interplanetary Space Travel
Current radiation shielding in space uses passive methods. These are methods that physically stop radiation from reaching human habitats. The downside to passive shielding is that they do not protect such habitats from high-energy Galactic Cosmic Rays (GCR). These rays are extremely harmful and can often be fatal. The work of this project is to find materials for active radiation shielding using superconductors in which magnetic fields can deflect charged GCRs away from human habitat spaces. We are exploring composite superconducting materials to help maintain both a high critical temperature and a high critical current density. Previously, we focused on polycrystalline superconductors to learn how they work and how to grow crystals. Currently, our primary focus is working on making a single crystal superconductor that has desired benefits for testing purposes. This change requires a modified growth method called the floating zone method and complex machines.
