Automated UAV to Survey and Monitor Ionising Radiation Levels in a Closed Environment

Abstract

Abstract Since tragedies caused by nuclear disasters are always a concern, it is essential that nuclear power plants be monitored on a regular basis for any irregularities in ionising radiation levels. Irrespective of leakage proof measures being deployed in the plant, ensuring the safety of these measures is necessary. Given this scenario, the present study proposes the usage of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to ensure that radiation levels in nuclear plants remain within safe limits. The UAV deployed will map the entire environment following a unique path planning algorithm and monitor the environment with an onboard radiation sensor. If any irregularities are detected, the positional coordinates are flagged, and the A* algorithm is implemented to generate the shortest path between the starting point, and the flagged coordinates, which are considered as the destination coordinates. The UAV is made to traverse the shortest path together with maintaining stability of the system while traversing.