The Use of Synthetic Spectra to Test the Preparedness to Evaluate and Analyze Complex Gamma Spectra
Activity Acronym:
BOK-1
Authors:
Mika Nikkinen
Abstract:
This is the report of two exercises that were run under the NKS BOK-1.1 subproject. In these exercises synthetic gamma spectra were developed to exercise the analysis of difficult spectra typically seen after a severe nuclear accident. The spectra were analyzed twice; first, participants were given short time to give results to resemble an actual emergency preparedness situation, then a longer period of time was allowed to tune the laboratory analysis results for quality assurance purposes. The exercise did prove that it is possible to move measurement data from one laboratory to another if second opinion of the analysis is needed. It was also felt that this kind of exercise would enhance the experience the laboratories have in analyzing accident data. Participants expressed the need for additional exercises of this type, this is inexpensive and an easy way to exercise quick emergency response situations not normally seen in daily laboratory routines.