Graphical User Interface for High Energy Multi-Particle Transport, Phase II

Computer codes such as MCNPX now have the capability to transport most high energy particle types (34 particle types now supported in MCNPX) with energies extending into the teravolt energy range. The efficient use of these types of Monte Carlo tools is very important for modeling the effects of space radiation on humans, spacecraft and equipment. This proposal would develop a graphical user interface for high energy multi-particle transport. With this innovation, users of the MCNPX code would have access to a powerful graphical user interface for efficient creation and interrogation of their input files, which would significantly reduce the amount of time required to create and debug input files. Specific enhancements that are proposed include the implementation of the Los Alamos Quark-Gluon String Model Module in MCNPX; adding the source creation capability to the graphical user interface; improvements to data visualization and 3D geometry plotting; and the investigation of implementing spline surfaces in MCNPX.

Potential NASA Commercial Applications: Any physics applications that utilize the transport of high-energy particles will benefit from this work. These applications include: 1. Investigations for accelerator isotope production and destruction programs, including the transmutation of nuclear waste. 2. Design of accelerator spallation targets, particularly for neutron scattering facilities. 3. Research into accelerator-driven energy sources. 4. Medical physics, especially proton and neutron therapy. 5. Accelerator-based imaging technology such as neutron and proton radiography. 6. Design of shielding in accelerator facilities. 7. Activation of accelerator components and surrounding groundwater and air. 8. High-energy dosimetry and neutron detection. 9. Design of neutrino experiments. 10. Charged-particle tracking in plasmas.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

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