Radiation Problems : From Analytical to Monte-Carlo Solutions

This book reports on the state-of-the-art in terms of dosimetric, ionizing
radiation metrology and radiation protection through exercises related to
practical applications. For each problem, the book provides resolutions by
means of analytical and semi-empirical formulas stemming from nuclear physics
theory and the latest research contributions. For most applications (cavity
theory, absorbed dose calculation for protons, quantities and dimensioning of
X-ray generators…) the most recent data and calculation methods are part of
the tools used. Moreover, in most applications/problems discussed, an inter-
comparison with the numerical results obtained with a Monte-Carlo code
commonly in worldwide use, MCNP, is presented. This code allows providing
“actual” values in order to test the accuracy of the whole of analytical or
semi-empirical results. For each case study, the numerical model is discussed,
the input file is fully provided, and its structure is detailed. Some complex
geometries involved in the modeled radiological scenes as well as the features
used to generate, transport and track particles are described. On another
note, emphasis is placed on the raw MCNP results normalization and on variance
reduction techniques employed to improve or enable the convergence of
statistical estimators toward the end result. This book is aimed at an
audience having a solid background in the addressed themes and is recommended
for students from Physics Bachelor’s degree. It can provide theoretical and
technical information to engineers carrying out calculations and to graduate
students performing their research work as well. The book is intended to be
instructive and each problem is treated independently. The reader can
therefore study the applications of interest in the desired order.