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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.
Ely M. Gelbard, Richard Lell
Nuclear Science and Engineering | Volume 63 | Number 1 | May 1977 | Pages 9-23
Technical Paper | doi.org/10.13182/NSE77-A26999
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
A Monte Carlo method has been developed for the computation of the eigenvalue, as a function of buckling, in an infinite lattice. This method has been used to test the accuracy of earlier, approximate, void-worth computations, computations that enter into the analysis of hypothetical accidents in which voids collapse. Test results indicate that reactivity effects due to the collapse of bubbles in a molten pool can be computed, with reasonable accuracy, by the Behrens method, used earlier by Goldsmith. On the other hand, the Webb estimates of eigenvalue changes, caused by the expansion of fuel pins into the voids of a previously voided lattice, appear to be somewhat too high.