Measuring cosmic-ray exposure in aircraft using real-time personal dosemeters

Area of Science:

• Aviation radiation safety
• Environmental health physics

Background:

• Aircrew are exposed to increased cosmic radiation at flight altitudes.
• Accurate dosimetry is crucial for assessing and managing aircrew radiation exposure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To measure aircrew radiation exposure on long-haul flights.
• To compare measured doses with established dose calculation models.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Fuji Electric NRF20 (photon) and NRY21 (neutron) personal electronic dosemeters.
• Measured non-neutron and neutron doses separately during commercial aviation flights.

Main Results:

• Non-neutron doses aligned with the European Program Package for the Calculation of Aviation Route Doses (EPCARD) model (within 8%).
• Measured neutron doses were 5-15 times higher than EPCARD calculations.
• Discrepancies in neutron dose measurements correlated with cut-off rigidities.

Conclusions:

• Current models may underestimate neutron radiation exposure for aircrew.
• Further investigation into neutron dosimetry at aviation altitudes is warranted.
• Findings suggest a need to re-evaluate aircrew radiation protection strategies.