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Conference Spotlight
Nuclear Energy Conference & Expo (NECX)
September 8–11, 2025
Atlanta, GA|Atlanta Marriott Marquis
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The RAIN scale: A good intention that falls short
Radiation protection specialists agree that clear communication of radiation risks remains a vexing challenge that cannot be solved solely by finding new ways to convey technical information.
Earlier this year, an article in Nuclear News described a new radiation risk communication tool, known as the Radiation Index, or, RAIN (“Let it RAIN: A new approach to radiation communication,” NN, Jan. 2025, p. 36). The authors of the article created the RAIN scale to improve radiation risk communication to the general public who are not well-versed in important aspects of radiation exposures, including radiation dose quantities, units, and values; associated health consequences; and the benefits derived from radiation exposures.
G. Reffo, F. Fabbri, K. Wisshak, F. Käppeler
Nuclear Science and Engineering | Volume 80 | Number 4 | April 1982 | Pages 630-647
Technical Paper | doi.org/10.13182/NSE82-A18974
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
The capture cross sections of 93Nb, 103Rh, and 181Ta were measured in the 10- to 70-keV neutron energy range, using 197Au as a standard. Most of the data points were obtained with a total uncertainty of ∼4%. This was possible because the calculation of capture gamma-ray spectra allowed reducing the most severe systematic uncertainties involved. Hauser-Feshbach calculations were performed that yielded not only the neutron cross sections of the isotopes considered up to 4-MeV neutron energy but also partial capture cross sections and capture gamma-ray spectra. For these calculations a consistent set of input parameters was determined from available experimental information or from model-guided systematics. The influence of these parameters on the results is discussed.