Repository logo
 

Simulation of radiological background data for benchmarking statistical algorithms to enhance current radiological detection capabilities

dc.contributor.authorLaBrake, Michael A., author
dc.contributor.authorBrandl, Alexander, advisor
dc.contributor.authorJohnson, Thomas, advisor
dc.contributor.authorBiedron, Sandra, committee member
dc.date.accessioned2018-01-17T16:45:32Z
dc.date.available2018-01-17T16:45:32Z
dc.date.issued2017
dc.description.abstractReliable methods for detection of nuclear material are essential, particularly when the material is a weak or shielded source. Since weak or shielded sources often require longer measurement times to distinguish between the source distribution and the background distribution, a statistical approach is being developed that will utilize prior information obtained by measurement systems, such as portal monitors, which collect data on a continuous basis. The hypothesis is that patterns can be identified in sequences of repeated count rate measurements and used in conjunction with classical statistics to identify and locate a source. By measuring background distributions and establishing standard data for specific locations, it is possible to use the probability of observing individual count measurement results in successive measurement intervals at or above the critical limit, y*, and use this information to help pinpoint a weak or shielded source. Because radioactive decay and detection of radioactive material are stochastic events, pseudo-random numbers are used in conjunction with a mathematical method that enables simulation of various background distributions. The related y* values are calculated for each distribution and repeated measurements at or above y* are counted and compared to those expected for the given distribution. Four distributions were investigated: the triangular, sinusoidal, normal, and Poisson distributions. For each distribution, large random number samples were generated to confirm the expected probabilities for various sequences of values at or above the decision threshold y*. All investigated sequences found the 95% confidence interval for the expected number of sequences greater than y* to include the observed number of sequences greater than y*.
dc.format.mediumborn digital
dc.format.mediummasters theses
dc.identifierLaBrake_colostate_0053N_14451.pdf
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/10217/185640
dc.languageEnglish
dc.language.isoeng
dc.publisherColorado State University. Libraries
dc.relation.ispartof2000-2019
dc.rightsCopyright and other restrictions may apply. User is responsible for compliance with all applicable laws. For information about copyright law, please see https://libguides.colostate.edu/copyright.
dc.titleSimulation of radiological background data for benchmarking statistical algorithms to enhance current radiological detection capabilities
dc.typeText
dcterms.rights.dplaThis Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights (https://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/). You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).
thesis.degree.disciplineEnvironmental and Radiological Health Sciences
thesis.degree.grantorColorado State University
thesis.degree.levelMasters
thesis.degree.nameMaster of Science (M.S.)

Files

Original bundle
Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
Loading...
Thumbnail Image
Name:
LaBrake_colostate_0053N_14451.pdf
Size:
991.39 KB
Format:
Adobe Portable Document Format