Monte Carlo simulations of the gamma-ray exposure rates of common rocks

Authors

D A. Haber, University of Nevada, Las VegasFollow
R L. Malchow, National Security TechnologiesFollow
P C. Burnley, University of Nevada, Las VegasFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2017

Publication Title

Journal of Environmental Radioactivity

Volume

167

First page number:

20

Last page number:

25

Abstract

Monte Carlo simulations have been performed to model the gamma ray emission and attenuation properties of common rocks. In geologic materials, 40K, 238U, and 232Th are responsible for most gamma ray production. If the concentration of these radioelements and attenuation factors such as degree of water saturation are known, an estimate of the gamma-ray exposure rate can be made. The results show that there are no significant differences in gamma-ray screening between major rock types. If the total number of radionuclide atoms are held constant then the major controlling factor is density of the rock. Finally, the thickness of regolith or soil overlying rock can be estimated by modeling the exposure rate if the radionuclide contents of both materials are known. © 2016 The Authors

Language

english

Repository Citation

Haber, D. A., Malchow, R. L., Burnley, P. C. (2017). Monte Carlo simulations of the gamma-ray exposure rates of common rocks. Journal of Environmental Radioactivity, 167 20-25.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvrad.2016.11.013