The combination of HotSpot code and MATLAB to simulate radiological dispersions and evaluate solutions to protect the population

Abstract We are surrounded by emergencies; the past and new threats push researchers to find innovative solutions to increase the safety of the population and the security of the environment. In this work, the authors have used the HotSpot ∼ Health Physics Codes to simulate accidental dispersions of radiological substances in atmospheres (Cs-137, I-131, Co-60, and Sr-90). The two worst-case scenarios have been used to furnish some of the boundary conditions to simulate the radioprotection characteristics of a shielding apparatus (a bunker) to protect the population. For this second part, the authors developed a ray tracing-based model written in MATLAB”. The paper aims to demonstrate that combining codes, like HotSpot and MATLAB, can be a low-cost solution to support the experts in the prediction and prevention phases of a radiological event.