Applications of nuclear accident consequence models

Nuclear accident consequence models have been developed to describe the transport and dispersion of released radioactive materials, and to predict the resulting interaction with and influence on the environment and man. Examples of such models are CRAC and UFOMOD which were developed as part of the American Reactor Safety Study and the German Risk Study, respectively. In addition to their use in risk evaluation, however, accident consequence models provide a useful tool for planning and decision making. These areas of potential application include: evaluation of alternative design features, emergency planning and response, reactor siting recommendations, and development of acceptable risk criteria. In addition, key problems in performing these applications, such as treatment of uncertainties, are discussed