Modification to the Monte Carlo N-Particle (MCNP) Visual Editor (MCNPVised) to Read in Computer Aided Design (CAD) Files

70032 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 Monte Carlo N-Particle 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. Phase I will devise a method for reading the design files into the Visual Editor. To read a file from a design drawing into the Visual Editor, the file must be written in an export format that can be processed into the visual editor. After the best export format is determined, the visual editor will use this enhanced version to translate three-dimensional design geometry into surfaces and cells that can be used in an MCNP input file. The current capabilities of the visual editor will then allow the user to view and modify the file and write out the MCNP input file. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the 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.