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Nuclear Energy Conference & Expo (NECX)
September 8–11, 2025
Atlanta, GA|Atlanta Marriott Marquis
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The RAIN scale: A good intention that falls short
Radiation protection specialists agree that clear communication of radiation risks remains a vexing challenge that cannot be solved solely by finding new ways to convey technical information.
Earlier this year, an article in Nuclear News described a new radiation risk communication tool, known as the Radiation Index, or, RAIN (“Let it RAIN: A new approach to radiation communication,” NN, Jan. 2025, p. 36). The authors of the article created the RAIN scale to improve radiation risk communication to the general public who are not well-versed in important aspects of radiation exposures, including radiation dose quantities, units, and values; associated health consequences; and the benefits derived from radiation exposures.
Hiroshi Takahashi
Nuclear Science and Engineering | Volume 51 | Number 3 | July 1973 | Pages 296-315
Technical Paper | doi.org/10.13182/NSE73-A26607
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
The gamma-ray spectra produced by neutron-induced 238U reactions are analyzed, primarily using the statistical model, to provide the data for gamma-ray heating and shielding in the nuclear reactor. The gamma-ray spectra in the low energy neutron capture were calculated by taking into account the discrete and the continuous energy levels, and E1, M1, E2, and M2 electromagnetic transitions. The transition probabilities for primary gamma rays were taken from the data of Price et al. The calculated data are compared with John’s experimental data and Yost’s calculations. To calculate the gamma-ray spectra due to inelastic neutron scattering, the E2 and M1 transitions of the lowest 13 discrete levels of 238U were calculated by using the rotational vibrational model of Bohr-Mottelson. The gamma production cross section due to fast-neutron reactions (En > 2 MeV) and the prompt gamma-ray spectrum due to fission were calculated by taking into account the yrast levels in the cascade process, as proposed by Thomas and Grover. The calculated prompt gamma-ray spectrum and the total gamma-ray production cross section are discussed in comparison with the experimental data.
