Discrete event simulation model of the Polaris 2.1 Gamma Ray Imaging Radiation Detection Device

Abstract

The nuclear threat remains a top priority for the United States government; there are many agencies whose sole focus is thwarting terrorist actions. As layer upon layer of both passive and active defensive measures are employed, the research community continues to bear new tools to aid in detection of radiological material. Incorporating and developing tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) for those devices becomes a challenge in and of itself. For this thesis, the Polaris 2.1 Gamma Ray Imaging Radiation Detection Device (Polaris) was selected as the technology to be modeled. The platform, Simkit, was utilized to create a discrete event simulation (DES) model of the Polaris. After carefully constructing the DES, multiple simulations were run measuring the time to detect all radiation sources in the simulated environment. Then, all data and parameters from the simulation were used for statistical analysis to determine significant factors in the DES--for example, not only was the strength of the radiation source significant, but so was the amount of variance introduced into the DES. These results are non-intuitive and pave a path for further research to enhance the DES and find the optimal TTPs for this device from both the tactical and operational perspectives.