An extremely basic question on MCNP

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In summary: Summary In summary, when running a MCNPX input file describing a sphere with a point source in the center, the tally F15 gives a result of 1.4657E-15 mSv/h/particle.
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Takvorian
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How to calculate the gamma dose rate from MCNP results ?
Hi there,

I have a very simple question about MCNP (6.2 to be precise) ... maybe someone here might enlighten me ...

Based on the (more than simple) MCNP input file below, which describes a sphere with R=200cm, filled with air and a point source in the center. There's a single ring tally on the X axis in a distance of 100 cm from the source, which should give the results in mSv/h/particle. The source is Co-60 with its 3 gamma photons defined.

When I run that file, the tally F15 gives me a value of 1.4657E-15 mSv/h/particle (error is 0.0008).

Question: How do I calculate the correct dose rate for a source with i.e. 1E+6 Bq from that tally result ?

Greetings and may that not too boring a question ... but that topic seems to be a bit neglected in the manuals and lectures ... :(

Takvorian

MCNP input:
MCNPX Visual Editor Version X_25
c     Created on: Wednesday, February 23, 2022 at 19:58                      
    1   304 -0.001205 -1  imp:p=1
    2     0         1  imp:p=0

c    Welt                                                                    
    1        so 200  $Welt

mode  p
m304  6000      -0.000124  $Air (Dry, Near Sea Level) Density: -0.001205
      7014        -0.7525 7015     -0.0027668 8016       -0.23123
      8017   -8.7866e-005 18036  -4.2793e-005 18038  -8.0671e-006
      18040     -0.012776
sdef pos=0 0 0 ERG=D1                                                        
c                                                                            
c source energies (Co-60)                                                    
si1 L 0.6938 1.1732 1.3325                                                    
sp1 D 1.6312e-4 1 1                                                          
c                                                                            
f15x:p 100 1 -0.125
df15 IU 2 ic 10                                                          
stop F15 0.0005
 
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  • #2
Hi,
for my part to calculate dose equivalent rate, I use a function response (DE/DF).
The “de” card contains discrete energies and the “df” card provides the values of the conversion
factors from ICRP 74.
For example for photons in terms of H*(10) :
DE15 .01 .015 .02 .03 .04 .05 .06 .08 .1 .15 .2 .3 .4 .5 .6 &
.8 1 1.5 2 3 4 5 6 8 10
DF15 0.061 .83 1.05 .81 .64 .55 .51 .53 .61 .89 1.2 1.8 2.38 2.93 3.44 &
4.38 5.2 6.9 8.6 11.1 13.4 15.5 17.6 21.6 25.6

Your results are in pSv for one particle.
So for A=1E6 Bq you must calculate the number of photons :
N=1E6*( 1.6312e-4 + 1+ 1)=2E6 gamma/s
MCNP gives F5=4.7807E-05 (the unit is pSv per photon)
So H*(10)=4.7807E-05*1e-12*2E6*3600= 3.44E-7 Sv/h
I insert input and output files
This is well described in this book :
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/355444601_Radiation_problems_from_analytical_to_monte-carlo_solutions
 

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  • #3
Thanks - that resolved my question.
 
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FAQ: An extremely basic question on MCNP

What is MCNP?

MCNP (Monte Carlo N-Particle) is a computer code used for simulating the transport of particles through matter. It is commonly used in nuclear engineering and radiation physics applications.

How does MCNP work?

MCNP uses the Monte Carlo method, which involves randomly sampling a large number of potential outcomes to estimate the behavior of a system. In this case, MCNP simulates the path of particles through a material by repeatedly sampling their interactions with atoms in the material.

What types of particles can MCNP simulate?

MCNP can simulate the transport of neutrons, photons, electrons, and other charged particles. It can also simulate the production and transport of secondary particles resulting from interactions with the primary particles.

What is MCNP used for?

MCNP is used for a variety of applications, including nuclear reactor design and analysis, radiation shielding design, and medical imaging and therapy. It can also be used for research purposes to study the behavior of particles in different materials and environments.

Is MCNP difficult to use?

MCNP can be challenging to use, especially for beginners. It requires a strong understanding of nuclear physics and computer programming skills. However, there are many resources available, including user manuals and online tutorials, to help users learn how to use MCNP effectively.

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