Uncertainties beyond statistics in Monte Carlo simulations.
The Monte Carlo method has become an essential tool for the simulation of radiation and particle transport problems. The combination of its ease of use and the power of the method can create a temptation to use Monte Carlo as a 'black box' tool. In this paper, we shall mention a number of important issues that any user of a Monte Carlo computer code should keep firmly in mind when attempting a transport simulation, and we shall present a recent practical example to show the potential significance of such issues.
Hughes
H Grady
HG
Los Alamos National Laboratory, Group X-3-MCC, Los Alamos, NM 87545, USA. hgh@lanl.gov
D000465:Algorithms; D016477:Artifacts; D003198:Computer Simulation; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D015233:Models, Statistical; D009010:Monte Carlo Method; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011874:Radiometry / Q000379:methods*; D012542:Scattering, Radiation; D012984:Software