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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.
B. Ganapol
Nuclear Science and Engineering | Volume 112 | Number 3 | November 1992 | Pages 270-282
Technical Paper | doi.org/10.13182/NSE92-A29074
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
The radiative transfer equation for photons interacting with the phytoelements (primarily leaves) of a plant canopy of finite height is solved by application of Siewert’s FN numerical algorithm. A one-dimensional, one-angle transport model is assumed with the Lambertian scattering leaves all oriented in the same direction. In addition, a Lambertian reflecting soil is assumed at the lower canopy boundary. Since the focus of this work is on the development of the FN algorithm, emphasis is given to the derivation of the algorithm and the algorithmic accuracy; however, a comparison with afield experiment is also presented to indicate the potential usefulness of the FN solution.