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 uses 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 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 study several techniques of gamma radiation survey and spectrometry that could be used by an On-Site Inspection team investigating such an event.
authors.affiliation: *Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, P.O. Box 999, MSIN: J4-65, Richland, WA 99352; †University of Florida, Materials Science and Engineering, P.O. Box 116400, Gainesville, FL 32611.
authors.forename: Jeremy P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Rishel
authors.forename: Martin E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Keillor
authors.forename: Leah M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Arrigo
authors.forename: James E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Baciak
authors.forename: Rebecca S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Detwiler
authors.forename: Warnick J
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Kernan
authors.forename: Randy R
authors.initials: RR
authors.lastname: Kirkham
authors.forename: Brian D
authors.initials: BD
authors.lastname: Milbrath
authors.forename: Allen
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Seifert
authors.forename: Carolyn E
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Seifert
authors.forename: John E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Smart
mesh_terms: D000396:Air Pollutants, Radioactive / Q000032:analysis*; D001272:Atmosphere; D005720:Gamma Rays; D006207:Half-Life; D006801:Humans; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D011834:Radiation Monitoring; D018788:Radioactive Hazard Release; D012107:Research Design
chemical_list: D000396:Air Pollutants, Radioactive