Answer to Question #886 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

Category: Doses and Dose Calculations — External dose calculations

The following question was answered by an expert in the appropriate field:

What are the rules of thumb (e.g., 1/r, etc.) for estimating the dose rate of a rectangular source, ignoring its thickness since the exact solution cannot be obtained (assuming that the contact dose rate is known)?

Although there is not a single solution (equation) for a rectangular source (see Question 779), a discussion concerning a disc source, which will be similar, can be viewed in Question 225.

Robert L. Coleman
Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Answer posted on May 15, 2001. The information and material posted on this Web site is intended as general reference information only. Specific facts and circumstances may alter the concepts and applications of materials and information described herein. The information provided is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be relied upon in the absence of such professional advice specific to whatever facts and circumstances are presented in any given situation. Answers are correct at the time they are posted on the Web site. Be advised that over time, some requirements could change, new data could be made available, or Internet links could change. For answers that have been posted for several months or longer, please check the current status of the posted information prior to using the responses for specific applications.