Monte Carlo determination of the lead equivalent for Syrian building bricks for diagnostic x ray.

ABSTRACT

The uncertainty band associated with the transmission curve for 100 kVp x ray in lead was determined using Monte Carlo methods and the sensitivity analysis approach. All uncertainty sources (statistical, systematical and the uncertainties arising from the diversity of x-ray tubes) were taken into account. The transmission of 100 kVp x ray in Syrian building bricks was then computed together with the uncertainty associated with it. Finally, the lead equivalent thicknesses for 10, 15, and 20-cm-thick bricks were estimated. The results are in good agreement with experimental results. This study recommends, as a rule of thumb, to use the lead-equivalent values of 0.5, 0.75, and 1.0 mm for the 10, 15, and 20-cm-thick building bricks, respectively.