Verification of the VARSKIN beta skin dose calculation computer code

Area of Science:

• Radiation Dosimetry
• Computational Physics
• Nuclear Safety

Background:

• VARSKIN code is crucial for calculating skin dose from radioactive contamination.
• Previous verification of VARSKIN was limited in scope and geometries.
• Version 3.0 requires comprehensive validation across all source geometries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To extend the verification of the VARSKIN code, version 3.0.
• To include all programmed source geometries and a wide range of beta energies.
• To assess the accuracy of VARSKIN for skin dose calculations.

Main Methods:

• Compared VARSKIN calculations with MCNP5 Monte Carlo simulations.
• Utilized six pre-programmed source geometries in VARSKIN.
• Employed beta end-point energies from 0.3 MeV to 2.3 MeV.

Main Results:

• Excellent agreement observed between VARSKIN and MCNP5 calculations.
• Agreement within a few percent for point and disc sources.
• Agreement within 20% for other sources, with minor deviations at low beta energies.

Conclusions:

• VARSKIN (version 3.0) is sufficiently accurate for skin dose assessments.
• VARSKIN uncertainties are likely smaller than other dose assessment uncertainties.
• The code is reliable for evaluating skin contamination risks.