NARMER-1: a photon point-kernel code with build-up factors

Abstract

Abstract. This paper presents an overview of NARMER-1, the new generation of photon point-kernel code developed by the Reactor Studies and Applied Mathematics Unit (SERMA) at CEA Saclay Center. After a short introduction giving some history points and the current context of development of the code, the paper exposes the principles implemented in the calculation, the physical quantities computed and surveys the generic features: programming language, computer platforms, geometry package, sources description, etc. Moreover, specific and recent features are also detailed: exclusion sphere, tetrahedral meshes, parallel operations. Then some points about verification and validation are presented. Finally we present some tools that can help the user for operations like visualization and pre-treatment.

A new hybrid next-event estimator for photon-based Monte Carlo dose rate calculations

“…The deterministic ones, like RANKERN [1] and CEA's NARMER [2], are often based on Point-Kernel Integration (PKI) method, with build-up and/or albedo factors. PKI is a macroscopic approach that consists in considering any radiation source as an ensemble of independent beam-like point sources.…”