NE582 Monte Carlo

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Instructor:       Ronald E. Pevey 

Office:             213 Pasqua Engineering Building 

Office Hours:   Posted on office door 

Telephone:       974-7573 

Course Description:  This course covers the theory and techniques of the Monte Carlo method with a special emphasis on the Boltzmann Transport equation.  The course will give the student a grounding in the basic principles of the method and in the variance techniques that are used in modern Monte Carlo transport computer codes.  In addition, the student will gain experience writing Monte Carlo computer solutions to a variety of problem types and with running MCNP, an industry-standard Monte Carlo Computer code.

Recommended Text: Lewis, E.E., and Miller, W.F., Jr.; Computational Methods of Neutron Transport,  American Nuclear Society, La Grange Park, IL, 1993.  (We only use one chapter of this book, which is also the text for NE581.) 

Course Objectives:  By taking this course, the student should gain a basic understanding of: 

• Basic concepts of random statistical processes
• Theory and practice of MC solution of event-based problems
• Analog particle transport and the heuristic variance reduction techniques
• Non-analog particle transport and the variance reduction techniques
• Variance reduction techniques specific to MCNP
• Theory and practice of MC for functional  and matrix representation
• The basic principles of Monte Carlo integration
• General application of MC to solution of integral and differential equations
• Detailed application to the Boltzmann Transport Equation
  
• MCNP input (with culminating project)

• Test #1                                        30%
• Test #2                                        30%
• Test #3                                        30%
  
• Project                                        30%
• Homework                                  10%
  

Class preparation: To prepare for each class, you should: 

• Do the homework for the previous lesson.  It is due at MIDNIGHT the night BEFORE the class FOLLOWING the one it is actually assigned.  (i.e., you have 6 days to do it).
  
• Read the class reading assignment, if any,  from the syllabus.
• Review your notes from previous classes. 

Return to Course Outline                                                                                                                   © 2008 by Ronald E. Pevey.  All rights reserved.