Integration of Measurements with Atmospheric Dispersion Models: Source Term Estimation for Dispersal of super(239)Pu Due to Non-Nuclear Detonation of High Explosive

• Published in: Radiation protection dosimetry 1993-01, Vol.50 (2), p.327-327
• Main Authors: Edwards, L L, Harvey, T F, Freis, R P, Pitovranov, SE, Chernokozhin, E V
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0144-8420

The accuracy associated with assessing the environmental consequences of an accidental release of radioactivity is highly dependent on knowledge of the source term characteristics and, in the case when the radioactivity is condensed on particles, the particle size distribution, all of which are generally poorly known. This paper reports on the development of a numerical technique that integrates the radiological measurements with atmospheric dispersion modelling. This results in a more accurate particle size distribution and particle injection height estimation when compared with measurements of high explosive dispersal of super(239)Pu. The estimation model is based on a non-linear least squares regression scheme coupled with the ARAC three-dimensional atmospheric dispersion models. The viability of the approach is evaluated by estimation of ADPIC model input parameters such as the ADPIC particle size mean aerodynamic diameter, the geometric standard deviation and largest size. Additionally an optimal "coupling coefficient" between the particles and an explosive cloud rise model are estimated. The experimental data are taken from the Clean Slate 1 field experiment conducted during 1963 at the Tonopah Test Range in Nevada.