Browsing by Author "Andronopoulos, S"

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    Evaluation of dispersion models DIPCOT and RIMPUFF used in Decision Support Systems for nuclear and radiological emergency response
    (HARMO, 2010-06-01) Andronopoulos, S; Dyer, LL; Davakis, E; Bartzis, JG
    This paper presents evaluation of the atmospheric dispersion models DIPCOT and RIMPUFF which are incorporated for operational use in Decision Support Systems for nuclear emergencies. The evaluation is performed through comparisons of model results with real-scale measurements of gamma radiation dose rates in air obtained during the routine operation of the HIFAR Research Reactor located in Sydney, Australia. The area surrounding the reactor is characterized by moderately complicated topography and varying land cover. A total of 16 days have been computationally simulated, covering all atmospheric stability conditions. Qualitative and quantitative model evaluation is carried out, using comparisons of paired in space and time calculated and measured gamma dose rates, statistical indices, scatter plots, and contour plots. The models performance is satisfactory for a number of cases, while for others the performance is poor. This can be attributed to a number of factors, mainly uncertainties in the prediction of meteorological conditions.
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    Radiation source rate estimation through data assimilation of gamma dose rate measurements for operational nuclear emergency response systems
    (Inderscience Enterprises Ltd, 2012-01-01) Tsiouri, V; Andronopoulos, S; Kovalets, I; Dyer, LL; Bartzis, JG
    This paper presents an evaluation of an innovative data assimilation method that has been recently developed in NCSR Demokritos for estimating an unknown emission rate of radionuclides in the atmosphere, with real-scale experimental data. The efficient algorithm is based on the assimilation of gamma dose rate measured data in the Lagrangian atmospheric dispersion model DIPCOT and uses variational principles. The DIPCOT model is used in the framework of the nuclear emergency response system (ERS) RODOS. The evaluation is performed by computational simulations of dispersion of Ar-41 that was emitted routinely by the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation’s (ANSTO) previous research reactor, HIFAR, located in Sydney, Australia. In this paper the algorithm is evaluated against a more complicated Radiation source rate estimation through data assimilation 387 case than the others used in previous studies: There was only one monitoring station available each day and the site topography is characterised as moderately complex. Overall the estimated release rate approaches the real one to a very satisfactory degree as revealed by the statistical indicators of errors. © 2012 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.