How to check the isotropy of the source in MCNP?

  • Thread starter angfells
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In summary, to check the isotropy of the source in MCNP, one should analyze the angular distribution of emitted particles to ensure uniformity in all directions. This can be done by performing simulations with a specified source definition and then reviewing the resulting particle flux or energy deposition data across various angles. Comparing the results against expected isotropic behavior will help confirm isotropy, using statistical analysis to assess any deviations from a uniform distribution.
  • #1
angfells
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Hello everyone!
I need to make sure that my source is isotropic. How can I check that?
I have point source pos -11 0 0 erg=d1 with Maxwellian spectrum of energy and some surfaces through which neutron flux passes.
 
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  • #2
How rigorous does the check need to be?

You could make everything else transparent, put a sphere round your source, segment it like an orange and then section the orange in half. Every surface would then have equal area and you could do tallies.
 
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Likes berkeman
  • #3
Alex A said:
How rigorous does the check need to be?

You could make everything else transparent, put a sphere round your source, segment it like an orange and then section the orange in half. Every surface would then have equal area and you could do tallies.
To really see that the source is isotropic, i.e. the particle flow is equally distributed throughout the source volume. Everything is already transparent. Thanks for your answer, I'll try it.
 

FAQ: How to check the isotropy of the source in MCNP?

How can I verify if my source is isotropic in MCNP?

To verify isotropy, you can simulate the source and tally the particle flux or current in different directions using F2 or F4 tallies. Compare the results to ensure uniform distribution. Additionally, visualizing the source distribution with tools like MCNP's plotter or external visualization software can help confirm isotropy.

What tallies should I use to check for source isotropy in MCNP?

Use F2 (surface flux) or F4 (cell flux) tallies to measure the particle distribution in various directions. By placing these tallies symmetrically around the source, you can compare the flux values to check for uniformity, indicating isotropy.

How do I set up an isotropic source in MCNP?

In MCNP, you can define an isotropic source using the SDEF card with appropriate parameters. For example, setting the distribution of angles (DIR) uniformly over 4π steradians ensures that particles are emitted equally in all directions. The syntax might look like: SDEF POS=0 0 0 ERG=1 PAR=1 VEC=0 0 1 DIR=d1 SI1 -1 1 SP1 0 1.

What are common mistakes that lead to anisotropic sources in MCNP?

Common mistakes include incorrect specification of the source direction (DIR) or vector (VEC) parameters, not defining the angular distribution correctly, or using improper tally placement. Ensuring that the SDEF card parameters are set to produce a uniform distribution and verifying the setup with visual and tally checks can help avoid these issues.

Can I use visualization tools to check for source isotropy in MCNP?

Yes, visualization tools can be very helpful. MCNP's built-in plotter can show the spatial distribution of particles, while external tools like VisIt or ParaView can provide more detailed visualizations. By examining the particle distribution visually, you can confirm whether the source is emitting particles isotropically.

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