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Modification to the Monte Carlo N-Particle (MCNP) Visual Editor (MCNPVised) to Read in Computer Aided Design (CAD) Files--Visual Editor Consultants, PO Box 1308, Richland, WA  99352-1308; 509-946-6187, www.mcnpvised.com
Mr. Randolph Schwarz, Principal Investigator, randyschwarz@mcnpvised.com 
Mrs. Alysia Schwarz, Business Official, alysiaschwarz@mcnpivised.com 
DOE Grant No. DE-FG02-03ER83844
Amount:  $304,000  

Monte Carlo N-Particle (MCNP) is the code of choice for complex neutron/photon/electron transport calculations for the nuclear industry and research institutions.  The Visual Editor for MCNP is recognized internationally as the best code for visually creating input files for MCNP.  This project will enhance the capabilities of the Visual Editor to allow it to read in a Computer Aided Design (CAD) file, permitting the user to modify and view the CAD file and then electronically generate and print out a valid MCNP input geometry.  For a file from a design drawing to be read into the Visual Editor, it first must be written in an export format from CAD.  The Visual Editor uses this enhanced version to translate a three-dimensional design geometry into surfaces and cells that can be used in an MCNP input file.  In Phase I, a method for reading in and converting two-dimensional geometries was developed, and the corresponding Monte Carlo input geometry was generated.  In Phase II, the algorithm developed for two-dimensional geometries will be extended to three dimensions.  Additionally, new capabilities will be added to the Visual Editor to allow users to view the three-dimensional geometry.  

Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by awardee:  Computer Aided Design files are used to design almost any facility used for nuclear applications.  A significant costs savings would result if these design geometry files were converted into Monte Carlo N-Particle input files, without the user having to input the geometry by hand.