DETERMINATION OF RADIOLOGICAL HAZARD TO PERSONNEL

Abstract : Detailed information about the radiological hazard to personnel on board ships traversing a zone of water contaminated by a subsurface nuclear detonation is developed through consideration of the size, shape, location, and radiation characteristics of the contaminated areas as a function of time. The gamma-radiation intensity at definite shipboard stations during and after traverses through the area, the performance of the washdown system, and the effectiveness of various contamination countermeasures are discussed. It is concluded, subject to revision by a more adequate operational analysis, that ships can operate in and around a nuclear detonation as encountered here if interception of the airborne activity and the contaminated water surface is delayed to about H + 10 min and if repeated exposures to new detonations are not anticipated.