A. Ustselemov¹ , I. Markov² , D. Sagaradze² , G. Orlov²

¹RFNC-VNIITF, Rosatom Corp.
²FSUE Russian Federal Nuclear Center Zababakhin All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of Technical Physics (RFNC-VNIITF), Rosatom Corp., Snezhinsk, Russian Federation

Abstract:

This paper addresses issues related to atmospheric transport (with account of deposition) of dispersed and gaseous radionuclides induced by an underground nuclear explosion (UNE). UNE-induced radionuclides may be released into the atmosphere either completely just after the explosion upon (accidental) penetration of the soil, or gradually over a relatively short period of several hours after the UNE. And even if a UNE is well contained, radioactive noble gases (RNG) and volatile agents are expected to seep out to the ground surface and eventually release into the atmosphere over a long period of time. This paper presents an interpolation technique for express-analysis of radionuclides distribution in the environment and at the ground surface following a UNE. During an on-site inspection (OSI), this technique will facilitate the search for areas of UNE-induced radionuclide seepage. Radionuclide distribution parameters (Gaussian plume) were specified using computations made with a dedicated CFD code, developed by RFNC-VNIITF, for assessment of emergency situations at industrial nuclear sites. Based on simulated atmospheric transport of radionuclides, this paper demonstrates the use of an express-method for identification of their seepage area.