SigmaNuPy: A Semi-Open-Source Python Toolkit for Planetary Nuclear Instrument Sensitivity Assessment using MCNP
Target next release: 2024 Q4 on GitHub
(c) 2018-2024 Lena Heffern, Craig Hardgrove
SigmaNuPy: Space Investigation Geoscience Mission Assessment of Nuclear instruments toolkit using Python
A Python/MCNP Pipeline
Over the course of my PhD and into early-career I’ve been creating and documenting a Python toolkit/library, specifically for planetary science use, that can generate MCNP 6.1 input files based on specified input parameters.
My code uses a database of pre-defined, pre-formatted, planetary compositions and generates .mx input files along with .sh files for easy drop into SLURM-based clusters (I defined it specifically for ASU’s Agave/Sol, will hopefully transition this onto CU’s Apline). The user inputs their own .mx base input file, then the code generates grid files for change in wt% composition of specific elements or chemical compositions. The code can also vary the depth of a deposit in a 2-layer model. For very basic studies, I have supplied level-0 models (spherical world with surface tallys) with basic source inputs. My code can also parse through MCNP output files to pull out specific tallys of interest for further analysis.
This code can only be run on ITAR-approved clusters and computers in the United States. MCNP is a protected code/software/program owned by the National Laboratories of the United States and can be requested through RSICC.
Publications/Presentations
L.E.Heffern, C.J. Hardgrove, M.E. Landis, “SigmaNuPy: A Semi-Open-Source Python Toolkit for Planetary Nuclear Instrument Sensitivity Assessment using MCNP,” Poster Presentation #1399696, AGU 2023.