Assessment of γ-ray exposures due to finite plumes

Extensive calculations of γ-ray dose rates due to radionuclides in finite straight-line and meandering (sector-averaged) Gaussian plumes have been condensed to a form readily usable for rapid assessments of offsite radiological dose rates. Ground level, centerline dose factors ((mrad/hr) (m/sec) per μCi/sec released) have been prepared for use in a simplified equation. Factors for 13 noble gas nuclides have been prepared for two plume models, two release heights (0 and 100 m), seven stability classes (A-G), and six downwind ranges (400-16,090 m) to encompass ranges of parameters of interest. Given meteorological information (atmospheric stability class, wind direction and speed) and nuclide release information, one can quickly estimate downwind γ-ray dose rates. (author)