Work

Derivation and verification of the direct-sampling method for simulating Monte Carlo flight paths in tetrahedral meshes with linear finite-element cross sections

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This paper provides a derivation of a direct-sampling approach for modeling continuously varying cross sections in tetrahedral-mesh-based Monte Carlo codes. Specifically, cross sections are spatially approximated using linear nodal finite elements. A linearization strategy is provided for non-linearly varying cross sections. The method is verified against seven analytical pure-absorber test problems. These test problems also highlight the benefit of using linear finite elements over element-wise-constant cross sections.

Source: EPJ Nuclear Sciences & Technologies

DOI: 10.1051/epjn/2025051

Authors: Pablo A. Vaquer, Michael E. Rising, Joel A. Kulesza, Colin A. Weaver

Institution: Los Alamos National Laboratory

Language: English

Topic: Nuclear reactor physics and engineering

Subfield: Aerospace Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $565

Funders: U.S. Department of Energy, National Nuclear Security Administration, Los Alamos National Laboratory