Abstract
The dynamic shape factors of HYDOX-generated plutonium dioxide-type non-spherical objects were estimated with computational methods. Leith's empirical methods were used to modify classical Stokes's law for aerosol dynamics (1987). The dynamic shape factor equations described by Leith were solved as functions of applicable curvilinear coordinates for objects resembling HYDOX-generated plutonium dioxide. Shapes modeled included six-sided hedron, right disk, oblate spheroid, and right-elliptical cone. Dynamic shape factors are plotted as a function of those curvilinear coordinates, within the full range of applicability. Experimental validity of the Leith dynamic shape factors ranged from 0.5 to 5 for each object modeled. This research is critical to determining settling velocities of HYDOX-generated plutonium dioxide aerosols. The change of particle size distribution over time and space can be derived, leading ultimately to an assessment of the dose from an unplanned release of plutonium dioxide.
Lohaus, James Harold (1999). Dynamic shape factors for hydox-generated plutonium dioxide-type non-sperical objects. Master's thesis, Texas A&M University. Available electronically from
https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /ETD -TAMU -1999 -THESIS -L635.