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Title: 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}
}