The Mathematics of Radiation Protection

This article, and our discussions with Dr Chris Robbins of Grallator, was born from a consideration of when a radioactive source holder (such as that fitted as part of a nuclear gauge) might become detached during a radiation accident, such that the radiation from the source is exposed directly through a small aperture. This is reasonably foreseeable compared to a radioactive source which might be completely exposed (unshielded). What would the dose rates be at a certain distance from the source holder, and what % of the trunk of the body would be exposed? This article considers the maths / physics behind this situation which has been developed for Ionactive by Chris. Ionactive has then taken the results of this analysis and shown how it would apply to a real world radiation accident. 

How do you calculate an estimate of dose rate from an X-ray tube give kV and mA? In this resource we consider a 'ballpark' estimate of radiation dose rate using some physics principles, including an estimate of % bremsstrahlung from an anode target, combined with a calculation of power density and consideration of average energy absorption rate.

When \( 1/d^2 \) breaks down - part 2: area source. Using some mathematics to explore how the inverse square law works with a radiation area source.

When \( 1/d^2 \) breaks down - part 1: line source. Using some mathematics to explore how the inverse square law works with a radiation line source.

Consider the situation where you move up to a radioactive source, perform some operations for a period of time, and then move away. What total dose will be received?

This technical mathematics article is written by Dr Chris Robbins of Grallator Limited. This article looks at Physical, biological and effective half-life and the mathematics behind them.