An Assessment of the Influence of the Technogenic Acoustic Background on γ -Spectrometer Readings during Registration of γ-Radiation Spectra

Abstract

This paper presents theoretical and experimental data determining the effect of acoustic perturbation on the readings of a γ-detector with high-pressure xenon gas as a working medium (XGS) operating in the field of IR. For this purpose, a chain of events is considered: an acoustic wave falls on the surface of the XGS, passes through and produces a perturbation in the gas which forms a nonuniform pressure distribution in the working medium. Exposure to IR leads to the formation of positive ions in the gas, the mobility of which is much lower than the mobility of free electrons, which are the main carriers in XGS. The experiments are carried out using an unmanned BDK dosimetric complex with a carrier in the form of a helicopter-type UAV on which dosimetric equipment used for radiation control of the environment in conditions of its radioactive contamination is attached. Theoretical results obtained by solving the wave equation of sound wave passage in xenon filling the XGS are presented in the form of xenon density. These data allow us to obtain the radial distribution of the current density at different moments of the harmonic acoustic oscillation period. Experimental data demonstrated frequency characteristics of acoustic load and their amplitudes in different modes of UAV operation. The results of the research determine the recommendations that should be taken into account when using UAVs as carriers of dosimetric equipment in radiation monitoring of the environment.