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Development of uncertainty analysis capability for the RESRAD computer code

Conference · · Transactions of the American Nuclear Society; (United States)
OSTI ID:6906603
 [1]
  1. Argonne National Lab., IL (United States)

The RESRAD computer code is a pathway analysis code designed to calculate radiological dose resulting from exposure to residual radioactive material in the environment. It is a deterministic code with built-in capability for parameter sensitivity analysis. In an effort to validate the RESRAD code, the author participated in the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA's) research program on the [open quotes]Validation of Models for the Transfer of Radionuclides in Terrestrial, Urban, and Aquatic Environments (VAMP)[close quotes] and participated in an international cooperative effort in [open quotes]BIOspheric MOdel Validation Study: Phase II (BIOMOVS II).[close quotes] Modelers and scientists from many countries participate in both programs. One of the goals is to validate environmental models and study the uncertainties in the models. The BIOMOVS II has a working group specifically dealing with model uncertainty. The working groups in which the author has participated (both VAMP and BIOMOVS II) require the model user to predict not only the concentration in the environmental media and the doses to an exposed individual but also the uncertainties associated with these predictions. The first attempt to study the RESRAD uncertainty used the built-in sensitivity analysis capability in RESRAD. This capability in RESRAD is a useful tool to study parameter sensitivities, and it can be used to study model uncertainty for one parameter at a time. In order to study multiparameter model uncertainty, repetitive runs and tedious manipulation of results from each run are required. Therefore, it was determined that a preprocessor and a postprocessor should be developed for RESRAD to calculate uncertainties.

OSTI ID:
6906603
Report Number(s):
CONF-931160--
Journal Information:
Transactions of the American Nuclear Society; (United States), Journal Name: Transactions of the American Nuclear Society; (United States) Vol. 69; ISSN 0003-018X; ISSN TANSAO
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English