The Sensitivity of Atmospheric Dispersion Calculations in Near-field Applications: Modeling of the Full Scale RDD Experiments with Operational Models in Canada, Part I

Health Phys. 2016 May;110(5):499-517. doi: 10.1097/HP.0000000000000365.

Abstract

Three radiological dispersal devices were detonated in 2012 under controlled conditions at Defence Research and Development Canada's Experimental Proving Grounds in Suffield, Alberta. Each device comprised a 35-GBq source of (140)La. The dataset obtained is used in this study to assess the MLCD, ADDAM, and RIMPUFF atmospheric dispersion models. As part one of a two-part study, this paper focuses on examining the capabilities of the above three models and evaluating how well their predictions of air concentration and ground deposition match observations from the full-scale RDD experiments.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Air Pollutants, Radioactive / analysis*
  • Atmosphere
  • Canada
  • Computer Simulation
  • Humans
  • Lanthanum / analysis*
  • Meteorology
  • Models, Theoretical*
  • Radiation Dosage
  • Radiation Monitoring*
  • Radioactive Hazard Release*

Substances

  • Air Pollutants, Radioactive
  • Lanthanum