Project R-9265

Improving radiological monitoring using drones (Research)

Radiological measurements using drones (or UAV: Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) is one of the very challenging topics to date. This PhD researches the possibilities of deploying VTOL (Vertical Take Off and Landing) drones in RN (Radiological or Nuclear) scenarios to give the first responders a quick overview of the possible radiological risks without being exposed to them. This requires the ability to distinguish point sources, contamination of surfaces and radioactivity in the air (radioactive cloud). The difference in detector response will be investigated with both analytical and Monte Carlo techniques, with the aim that for every situation a maximum of information is acquired like radiation dose, the present radionuclides and the activity (Bq, Bq/m², Bq/m³). Furthermore, the research will focus on optimising the flightpath to obtain the mentioned information while taking into account the limited flight time and payload of typical drones that will be used in this context.

01 October 2018 - 30 September 2022