Criticality Accident Conditions -Reply

[Bob Boston <BOSTON@POC.LMAES.LMCO.COM>]

The major damage done to the body after a criticality accident is from the
neutron dose.  The neutron spectrum is highly dependent on the type of
system.  Solution systems will have a mostly intermediate and thermal
spectrum.  The metal system the went critical in Arzemis (sp?) had a
fast-intermediate spectrum and any thermal neutrons would have been
the result of back scatter from hydrogenous materials in the room (like
the concrete floor)

Some examples are found in Gamma-ray and Neutron Leakage Spectra
Calculated for Unshielded Reactors (LA-11807) and numerous other
references.

Bob Boston
Criticality Safety
Lockheed Martin Advanced Environmental Systems
208-234-3578
boston@poc.lmaes.lmco.com

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Can anyone point me in the direction of literature which accurately 
describes the types and energies of radiation produced in a Criticality 
event, along with dose rate profiles, time durations etc.?  We have been 
asked to comment on whether a personal alarming dosimeter could
provide 
useful warnings for personnel involved in recovery operations after an 
initial event, especially where there is a possibility of a second or 
repeated criticality condition.