New material for uniforms?

[Vik]

http://www.cnn.com/2002/TECH/science/11/13/radiation.suit.reut/index.html

Good article. Maybe they can start making pilot's uniforms from it?

"New fabric touted as radiation-proof -- LONDON (Reuters) -- Scientists have created what is claimed to be the world's first radiation-proof fabric which provides as much protection as a lead vest but at a fraction of the weight. "

 

[Hovernut]

What we have to worry about is cosmic rays, which are quite energetic...in the Mega elecron-volt range. This suit, which will shield against alpha and beta (both particles), and maybe "soft" x-rays as used in nuclear imaging won't do us much good at all!

It's sheer mass...more like density that does the trick. Here's a thumbrule to consider. To attenuate gamma rays in the energy range emitted in nuclear reactors to 1/10 thier original value, you need either:

24" water
4" steel
2" lead
and I think 1/2" depleted uranium

Now that would make one heavy suit!

The other factors to minimize exposure is reduce your exposure time, and increase your distance from the source as it dies off with the inverse square of distance.

 

[PilotoHalcon]

If you fly too close to the sun, your wings will melt.

 

[mar]

For your comfort and safety...

Yeah, I vote for all natural fabrics. In lieu of that, in light of recent events: Kevlar.

A little radiation never killed anyone.

 

[davessn763]

Spoken like a former LELT

Hovernut,

Man you are giving me ORSE flashbacks/nightmares.

I'll take the Cosmic Rays as long as they don't make me wear a TLD or sign my name to a dosimetry report ever again.

Dave Prather
Former CRA

 

[Hovernut]

Here's another one for you Dave,

Shield for cosmic rays and get MORE zoomies coming at you from the buildup and pair production. I thought I knew about radcon until I started working at Los Alamos.

It was late, and I couldn't help!

How's life at Coex? I just got on at Comair and training's going great!