Visualization of Output Data from Particle Transport Codes

The Monte Carlo N-particle (MCNP) and Monte Carl N-Particle eXtended (MCNPX) computer codes are used extensively around the world for particle transport calculations. A tremendous amount of data, which includes detailed information about the transport of the particles, is generated in running these complex particle transport codes. Currently, there are few options for displaying the MCNP results visually, in a manner that is easily understandable. This project will create a post-processing program that can visually display important results from these calculations. This will result in a better understanding of the calculations, provide validation of the results, and enable more efficient documentation of the calculations. In Phase I, a computer program will be written to read the MCNP/MCNPX output files, and important results will be displayed in two-dimensional cross-sectional plots. More advanced three-dimensional visualization techniques also will be investigated. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: The ability to graphically display information contained in MCNP output files will be of use to all users of the MCNP computer code. Once implemented, the process could be adapted to work with other codes that generate large amounts of data.