Conversion of Input Data Between KENO and MCNP File Formats for Computer Criticality Assessments

78770S Computer programs used to perform criticality safety calculations for nuclear facilites are vital to the assurance of safety in these facilities. It is highly desirable to have the capability to use more than one code to perform these calculations. KENO and Monte Carlo N-Particle (MCNP) are two of the most popular software applications used for criticality calculations. If a criticality specialist could convert between these formats, he/she would will have the ability to efficiently use more than one code to perform independent criticality calculations. In this project, a program will be written that converts files between KENO format and MCNP format. Phase I will develop conversion procedures from KENO to MCNP format for some standard simple geometries, and will investigate the conversion of files from MCNP to KENO format as well. This will provide a proof of concept and lead to the development of a graphical user interface to perform the conversion. The most effective method of implementing the conversion program, along with the features it should contain, will be determined. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The ability to convert between MCNP and KENO formats would provide a valuble service to the criticality community. It also should significantly enhance the criticality safety of current facilities by providing the criticality specialist with a tool to perform a second independent calculation.