Analysis of error in Monte Carlo transport calculations

Technical Report · Mon Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1979

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/6286976· OSTI ID:6286976

Booth, T E

The Monte Carlo method for neutron transport calculations suffers, in part, because of the inherent statistical errors associated with the method. Without an estimate of these errors in advance of the calculation, it is difficult to decide what estimator and biasing scheme to use. Recently, integral equations have been derived that, when solved, predicted errors in Monte Carlo calculations in nonmultiplying media. The present work allows error prediction in nonanalog Monte Carlo calculations of multiplying systems, even when supercritical. Nonanalog techniques such as biased kernels, particle splitting, and Russian Roulette are incorporated. Equations derived here allow prediction of how much a specific variance reduction technique reduces the number of histories required, to be weighed against the change in time required for calculation of each history. 1 figure, 1 table. (RWR)

• Research Organization: Los Alamos Scientific Lab., NM (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-36
• OSTI ID: 6286976
• Report Number(s): LA-7636-T
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

654003* -- Radiation & Shielding Physics-- Neutron Interactions with Matter
73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS
CALCULATION METHODS
DATA COVARIANCES
MONTE CARLO METHOD
NEUTRON TRANSPORT THEORY
TRANSPORT THEORY