Pitfalls and modelling inconsistencies in computational radiation dosimetry: lessons learnt from the QUADOS intercomparison. Part I: Neutrons and uncertainties

Abstract

The QUADOS EU cost shared action conducted an intercomparison on the usage of numerical methods in radiation protection and dosimetry. The eight problems proposed were intended to test the usage of Monte Carlo and deterministic methods by assessing the accuracy with which the codes are applied and also the methods used to evaluate uncertainty in the answer gained through these methods. The overall objective was to spread good practice through the community and give users information on how to assess the uncertainties associated with their calculated results.

Quality assurance for the use of computational methods in dosimetry: activities of EURADOS Working Group 6 ‘Computational Dosimetry’

“…Originally established to address the overarching topic of uncertainties in computational dosimetry following the comprehensive Quality Assurance of Computational Tools for Dosimetry (QUADOS) exercise that had been conducted (Tanner et al 2004, Gualdrini et al 2005, Price et al 2006, Siebert et al 2006, task 8 is currently concerned with the steering and strategy of the WG. A major activity has been providing input to the Strategic Research Agenda of EURADOS (Rühm et al 2015(Rühm et al , 2018.…”

“…A common insight from the intercomparison exercises in computational dosimetry referred to in the previous section is that a major source of uncertainty of the simulation results can be attributed to the code users (Siebert et al 2006, Price et al 2006. In contrast to analogous comparisons in metrology, for example, where the technical protocol is agreed in advance by participants who typically already have a track record of experience in the measurements to be performed, the intercomparisons in computational dosimetry have a different character.…”

“…However, other aspects and techniques, such as neutron spectra unfolding, have an important role as well. As a hybrid activity between knowledge transfer and research, a number of intercomparison exercises have been carried out in the past where participants were invited to solve predefined computational problems with some freedom to choose their methodology and approach (Tanner et al 2004, Gualdrini et al 2005, Price et al 2006, Siebert et al 2006, Gómez Ros et al 2007a, 2007b, 2008a, de Carlan et al 2008, Gualdrini et al 2008, Lopez et al 2010a, Broggio et al 2012, Barros et al 2014, Vrba et al 2014, Caccia et al 2017, Gómez-Ros et al 2018, Li et al 2020a; the participants' results could then be compared, in an effort to investigate common issue and difficulties, provide practical feedback and learn lessons. Participation in the exercises is open to everybody, and participants have been solicited by announcements on the EURADOS website (www.eurados.org) and in the regularly issued EURADOS newsletter as well as through conference papers and publications (Tanner et al 2004, Gualdrini et al 2005.…”

EURADOS working group 6, computational dosimetry, a history of promoting good practice via intercomparisons and training

“…However, even though performing intercomparisons has become a major part of the EURADOS work programme, as recognized in our Strategic Research Agendas (Rühm et al, 2016, Harrison et al, 2021, EURADOS intercomparisons on computational methods have been running throughout the history of this WG. In particular, the QUADOS (QUality Assurance of computational tools for DOSimetry) set of eight problems formed a concerted set of intercomparisons (Tanner et al, 2004, Siebert et al, 2006, that became the basis for much of the future work of WG6. These culminated in a 2003 workshop in Bologna that drew together experts and young scientists working in radiation protection and dosimetry to discuss the often impressive, and frequently concerning accuracy of the submitted solutions.…”