MCNP Gamma Decay: Neutron & Photon Calculation in Reactor Cores

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

MCNP5 is capable of accounting for gamma decay during neutron and photon calculations in reactor cores, particularly when coupled with codes like ORIGEN for radionuclide decay simulations. While MCNP5 can track gamma emissions from fission products, its source tracking is limited without coupling to additional modules. Users can define sources using the SDEF card for specific source types, but for time-dependent sources such as fissions from fuel rods, coupling with depletion modules like CINDER or ORIGEN is necessary. The latest version, MCNP 6.2, integrates features from both MCNP and MCNPX, enhancing its capabilities.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of MCNP5 particle transport code
  • Familiarity with source definition cards (SDEF, SUR, CELL)
  • Knowledge of radionuclide decay codes like ORIGEN
  • Basic concepts of neutron and gamma interactions in reactor physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the capabilities of MCNP 6.2 and its enhancements over MCNP5
  • Learn about coupling MCNP with ORIGEN for radionuclide decay simulations
  • Explore the use of CINDER for time-dependent source calculations
  • Investigate the functionalities of Geant4 for tracking gamma decay
USEFUL FOR

Reactor physicists, nuclear engineers, and researchers involved in neutron and gamma transport simulations, particularly those using MCNP for reactor core analysis.

MAAQ
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
Hi ,
This is my first post in this forum, I am new and happy to be in this forum :)

My question is, during the calculation of neutron and photon of a single-point reactor core, does MCNP5 taking into account the gamma decay? because during fission process, fission product can emit gamma. Does MCNP consider that?

thank you
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
MAAQ said:
My question is, during the calculation of neutron and photon of a single-point reactor core, does MCNP5 taking into account the gamma decay? because during fission process, fission product can emit gamma. Does MCNP consider that?
Yes it can. Here is an example - http://www.iaea.org/inis/collection/NCLCollectionStore/_Public/35/106/35106353.pdf

As I understand it, MCNP is primarily a particle (neutron and gamma) transport code, however, it can be coupled to other codes, e.g., ORIGEN, to simulate/calculate decay of radionuclides, or depletion. It all depends on how the source is defined.
 
hi Astronuc,
I am really glad that you answered my question. I used to see your comments long time ago before starting to use this forum. Thank you very much :)

Let's make the question more clear, if I am using MCNP5 alone without coupling it. Does it enough to track all gamma?
Another thing, code like Geant 4 "I haven't used it yet" but can it follow gamma decay.
 
MAAQ said:
hi Astronuc,
I am really glad that you answered my question. I used to see your comments long time ago before starting to use this forum. Thank you very much :)

Let's make the question more clear, if I am using MCNP5 alone without coupling it. Does it enough to track all gamma?
Another thing, code like Geant 4 "I haven't used it yet" but can it follow gamma decay.
It appears that one can address a source with a source card, but it is limited to particularly sources. See the SDEF card, and also, SUR for a surface source and CELL for a volume source.

https://canteach.candu.org/Content Library/20043507.pdf

The sources seem rather limited.

In order to do a time dependent sources, e.g., fissions of a fuel rod or assembly, I believe one has to couple a depletion module, e.g., CINDER, ORIGEN, to MCNP.
For example - https://mcnp.lanl.gov/pdf_files/la-ur-12-00676.pdf

I understand that MCNP 6.2 is out now, and that has combined features from MCNP and MCNPX.
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
5K
  • · Replies 26 ·
Replies
26
Views
6K