Using Atmospheric Dispersion Theory to Inform the Design of a Short-lived Radioactive Particle Release Experiment
Abstract
Atmospheric dispersion theory can be used to predict ground deposition of particulates downwind of a radionuclide release. This paper utilizes standard formulations found in Gaussian plume models to inform the design of an experimental release of short-lived radioactive particles into the atmosphere. Specifically, a source depletion algorithm is used to determine the optimum particle size and release height that maximizes the near-field deposition while minimizing the both the required source activity and the fraction of activity lost to long-distance transport. The purpose of the release is to provide a realistic deposition pattern that might be observed downwind of a small-scale vent from an underground nuclear explosion. The deposition field will be used, in part, to investigate several techniques of gamma radiation survey and spectrometry that could be utilized by an On-Site Inspection team under the verification regime of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty.
- Authors:
- Publication Date:
- Research Org.:
- Pacific Northwest National Lab. (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)
- Sponsoring Org.:
- USDOE
- OSTI Identifier:
- 1327129
- Report Number(s):
- PNNL-SA-112734
Journal ID: ISSN 0017-9078; 830403000
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC05-76RL01830
- Resource Type:
- Journal Article
- Journal Name:
- Health Physics
- Additional Journal Information:
- Journal Volume: 110; Journal Issue: 5; Journal ID: ISSN 0017-9078
- Publisher:
- Health Physics Society
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
- Subject:
- Atmospheric dispersion; Particle deposition; Plume depletion; Gaussian plume model; Radioactive particle; Radioactivity; On-site Inspection
Citation Formats
Rishel, Jeremy P., Keillor, Martin E., Arrigo, Leah M., Baciak, James E., Detwiler, Rebecca S., Kernan, Warnick J., Kirkham, Randy R., Milbrath, Brian D., Seifert, Allen, Seifert, Carolyn E., and Smart, John E. Using Atmospheric Dispersion Theory to Inform the Design of a Short-lived Radioactive Particle Release Experiment. United States: N. p., 2016.
Web. doi:10.1097/HP.0000000000000475.
Rishel, Jeremy P., Keillor, Martin E., Arrigo, Leah M., Baciak, James E., Detwiler, Rebecca S., Kernan, Warnick J., Kirkham, Randy R., Milbrath, Brian D., Seifert, Allen, Seifert, Carolyn E., & Smart, John E. Using Atmospheric Dispersion Theory to Inform the Design of a Short-lived Radioactive Particle Release Experiment. United States. https://doi.org/10.1097/HP.0000000000000475
Rishel, Jeremy P., Keillor, Martin E., Arrigo, Leah M., Baciak, James E., Detwiler, Rebecca S., Kernan, Warnick J., Kirkham, Randy R., Milbrath, Brian D., Seifert, Allen, Seifert, Carolyn E., and Smart, John E. 2016.
"Using Atmospheric Dispersion Theory to Inform the Design of a Short-lived Radioactive Particle Release Experiment". United States. https://doi.org/10.1097/HP.0000000000000475.
@article{osti_1327129,
title = {Using Atmospheric Dispersion Theory to Inform the Design of a Short-lived Radioactive Particle Release Experiment},
author = {Rishel, Jeremy P. and Keillor, Martin E. and Arrigo, Leah M. and Baciak, James E. and Detwiler, Rebecca S. and Kernan, Warnick J. and Kirkham, Randy R. and Milbrath, Brian D. and Seifert, Allen and Seifert, Carolyn E. and Smart, John E.},
abstractNote = {Atmospheric dispersion theory can be used to predict ground deposition of particulates downwind of a radionuclide release. This paper utilizes standard formulations found in Gaussian plume models to inform the design of an experimental release of short-lived radioactive particles into the atmosphere. Specifically, a source depletion algorithm is used to determine the optimum particle size and release height that maximizes the near-field deposition while minimizing the both the required source activity and the fraction of activity lost to long-distance transport. The purpose of the release is to provide a realistic deposition pattern that might be observed downwind of a small-scale vent from an underground nuclear explosion. The deposition field will be used, in part, to investigate several techniques of gamma radiation survey and spectrometry that could be utilized by an On-Site Inspection team under the verification regime of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty.},
doi = {10.1097/HP.0000000000000475},
url = {https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1327129},
journal = {Health Physics},
issn = {0017-9078},
number = 5,
volume = 110,
place = {United States},
year = {Fri Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 2016},
month = {Fri Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 2016}
}