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Filtering by: Has journal Annals of Applied Probability Remove constraint Has journal: Annals of Applied Probability Contributor advisor sim Palmer, Todd S. Remove constraint Contributor advisor sim: Palmer, Todd S.

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  • A General Purpose Agent-Based Blackboard Optimization Method Applied to Sodium Fast Reactor Design and Analysis

    Creator:
    Stewart, Ryan H.
    Abstract:
    We present a novel multi-objective optimization methodology built upon a multi-agent blackboard framework. This multi-agent blackboard system (MABS) synthesizes blackboard architectures, multi-agent environments, and optimization theory. The blackboard architecture creates the framework for initializing, storing, and solving a multi-objective optimization problem. Multiple agents allow for an optimization problem to be...
    Resource Type:
    Dissertation
    Full Text:
    used to solve a variety of optimization problems. The MABS was applied to a variety of multi-objective

  • An inherently parallel Monte Carlo linear systems solver applied to neutron diffusion equations

    Creator:
    Eccleston, Bradley R.
    Abstract:
    Linear solvers are often used to solve neutron diffusion problems. These tools have two significant shortcomings. First, parallel implementations provide only a modest speedup. The operations cannot be divided cleanly between processors. Second, for large matrices they can be very slow. Our primary goal is to find a new method...
    Resource Type:
    Masters Thesis
    Full Text:
    Applied to Neutron Diffusion Equations Redacted for privacy AN ABSTRACT OF THE THESIS OF Bradley R

  • Application of Advanced Hybrid Transport Methods for Nonproliferation Test Problems

    Creator:
    Somasundaram, Elanchezhian
    Abstract:
    The implementation of advanced hybrid (Monte Carlo/Deterministic) transport methods for realistic test problems has been a challenge due to the overhead efforts associated with interfacing a solution generated by a deterministic solver with a Monte Carlo based radiation transport code. In this work, with the help of Transpire, Inc., a...
    Resource Type:
    Dissertation
    Full Text:
    individually and when applied together. The behavior of the methods for different configurations of the

  • Analysis of the antineutrino rate during CANDU reactor startup

    Creator:
    Matthews, Christopher
    Abstract:
    Detection systems used to monitor reactor operations are of significant interest as tools for verification of operator declarations. Current reactor site safeguards are limited to visual inspections and intrusive monitoring systems. The recent development of antineutrino detectors may soon allow real-time monitoring from an unobtrusive location. Antineutrinos are produced through...
    Resource Type:
    Masters Thesis
    Full Text:
    probability of the antineutrino, when combined with the sheer number of antineutrinos emitted from a nuclear

  • Incorporating statistical uncertainty into nuclear material diversion pathway analysis using probabilistic risk assessment

    Creator:
    Pharn, Benjamin T.
    Abstract:
    A Level 1 probabilistic risk assessment (PRA) is applied to a plutonium button-making process, but in regards to the risk of diversion (or theft) of special nuclear material (SNM) rather than the risk of mechanical failure. The main objective of the project was to identify the relative vulnerability of areas...
    Resource Type:
    Masters Thesis
    Full Text:
    probability of diversion from that safeguards system. Four methodologies were examined. The first

  • Linking Procedural Performance with Radiobiological Analysis in Radiation Therapy

    Creator:
    Harry, Taylor Dylan
    Abstract:
    Radiation therapy is a sophisticated complex process. Systematic methods are needed to quantitatively evaluate the quality of a complex process and hence radiation therapy treatments. An ideal result for a complex process must be established to determine if the complex process is completed acceptably. For radiation therapy, this can be...
    Resource Type:
    Dissertation
    Full Text:
    ............................................................................................................................... 15 2.1 Probability of Radiotherapy Quality

  • Neutron transport benchmarks for binary stochastic multiplying media : planar geometry, two energy groups

    Creator:
    Davis, Ian M. (Ian Mack)
    Abstract:
    Benchmark calculations are performed for neutron transport in a two material (binary) stochastic multiplying medium. Spatial, angular, and energy dependence are included. The problem considered is based on a fuel assembly of a common pressurized water nuclear reactor. The mean chord length through the assembly is determined and used as...
    Resource Type:
    Masters Thesis
    Full Text:
    different sets of mixing statistics are as- sessed. A probability distribution function (PDF) of the k

  • Accelerating the convergence of the k-eigenvalue problem using a coarse mesh finite differencing scheme in cylindrical geometry

    Creator:
    Hummel, Andrew J.
    Abstract:
    Reactor modeling is largely limited by the computational time required to perform accurate full core calculations. There are many different methods and techniques employed in different reactor simulation codes, but properly modeling all of the physics that takes place in the system requires extensive computational effort. The Coarse Mesh Finite...
    Resource Type:
    Masters Thesis
    Full Text:
    . Finite differencing can be easily applied to the diffusion equation, leading to a set of linear

  • The iterative thermal emission Monte Carlo method for thermal radiative transfer

    Creator:
    Long, Alex R.
    Abstract:
    For over 30 years, the Implicit Monte Carlo (IMC) method has been used to solve challenging problems in thermal radiative transfer. These problems are typically optically thick and di ffusive, as a consequence of the high degree of "pseudo-scattering" introduced to model the absorption and reemission of photons from a...
    Resource Type:
    Masters Thesis
    Full Text:
    of simulated representative photons by sampling from probability distribution functions with pseudo

  • Detection of actinides via nuclear isomer de-excitation

    Creator:
    Francy, Christopher J.
    Abstract:
    The detection of illicit weapons-grade nuclear material is a significant technical challenge receiving a great deal of attention in the nuclear community. A proposed solution is to actively bombard the material under investigation with neutrons, populating nuclear isomers in any potential fissile material. These isomers decay quickly, releasing gamma rays...
    Resource Type:
    Masters Thesis
    Full Text:
    energy than those from natural radioactive decay, significantly increasing the probability of