DETECTING NUCLEAR MATERIALS IN URBAN ENVIRONMENTS USING MOBILE SENSOR NETWORKS

R Flanagan,Lj Brandt,Mr Deinert,Ag Osborne

doi:10.1051/epjconf/202124716003

R Flanagan, Lj Brandt + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1051/epjconf/202124716003

Copy DOI

Abstract

Radiation detectors installed at major ports of entry are a key component of the overall strategy to protect countries from nuclear terrorism. While the goal of deploying these systems is to intercept special nuclear material as it enters the country, no detector system is fool proof. Mobile, distributed sensors have been proposed to detect nuclear materials in transit should portal monitors fail to prevent their entry in the first place. In large metropolitan areas a mobile distributed sensor network could be deployed using vehicle platforms such as taxis, Ubers and Lyfts which are already connected to communications infrastructure. However, the potential geographic coverage that could be achieved using a network of sensors mounted on commercial passenger vehicles has not been established. Here we evaluate how a mobile sensor network could perform in New York City using a combination of radiation transport and Geographic Information Systems. The Geographic Information System QGIS is used in conjunction with OpenStreetMap data to isolate roads and construct a grid over the streets. Vehicle paths are built using pickup and drop off data from Uber, and data from the New York State Department of Transportation.

Highlights

The increased potential for nuclear terrorism is a major obstacle to the deployment of nuclear power at a scale required for a transition to a sustainable and clean energy future
A fission weapon or dirty bomb detonated in a dense population center such as New York City would produce significant casualties in addition to widespread destruction and disruption
Act as a first line defense for the United States. These systems include radiation detectors at airports, shipyards, commercial ports of entry [1,2], and roadway border crossings [1,2,3]. If these systems fail, or if non-official points of entry are used, special nuclear material could be smuggled into the country

Summary

Introduction

The increased potential for nuclear terrorism is a major obstacle to the deployment of nuclear power at a scale required for a transition to a sustainable and clean energy future. Act as a first line defense for the United States. These systems include radiation detectors at airports, shipyards, commercial ports of entry [1,2], and roadway border crossings [1,2,3]. If these systems fail, or if non-official points of entry are used, special nuclear material could be smuggled into the country.

Methods

Results

Conclusion