SCALE/MAVRIC calculation of dose rates measured for a gamma radiation source in a thick-walled transport and storage cask of ductile cast iron with lead inserts

Abstract

Dose rate calculations are important for judging the shielding performance of transport casks for radioactive material. Therefore it is important to have reliable calculation tools. We report on measured and calculated dose rates near a thick-walled transport and storage cask of ductile cast iron with lead inserts and a Co-60 source inside. In a series of experiments the thickness of the inserts was varied, and measured dose rates near the cask were compared with SCALE/MAVRIC 6.1.3 and SCALE/MAVRIC 6.2 calculation results. Deviations from the measurements were found to be higher for increased lead thicknesses. Furthermore, it is shown how the shielding material density, air scattering and accounting for the floor influence the quality of the calculation.