Radiation dosimetry and medical physics calculations using MCNP 5

Six radiation dosimetry and medical physics problems were analyzed using a beta version of MCNP 5 as part of an international intercomparison of radiation dosimetry computer codes, sponsored by the European Commission committee on the quality assurance of computational tools in radiation dosimetry. Results have been submitted to the committee, which will perform the inter-code comparison and publish the results independently. A comparison of the beta version of MCNP 5 with MCNP 4C2 is made, as well as a comparison of the new Doppler broadening feature. Comparisons are also made between the *F8 and F6 tallies, neutron tally results with and without the use of the S(a,b) cross sections, and analytically derived peak positions with pulse height distributions of a Ge detector obtained using the beta version of MCNP 5. The following problems from the study were examined: Problem 1 was modeled to determine the near-field angular anisotropy and dose distribution from a high dose rate 192Ir brachytherapy source in a surrounding spherical water phantom. Problem 2 was modeled to find radial and axial dose in an artery wall from an intravascular brachytherapy 32P source. Problem 4 was modeled to investigate the response of a four-element TLD-albedo personal dosimeter from neutrons and/or photons. Significant differences in neutron response with S(a,b) cross sections compared to results without these cross sections were found. Problem 5 was modeled to obtain air kerma backscatter profiles for 150 and 200 kVp X-rays upon a water phantom. Air kerma backscatter profiles were determined along the apothem and diagonal of the front face of the phantom. A comparison of experimental results is also made. Problem 6 was modeled to determine indirect spectral and energy fluences upon two neutron detectors within a calibration bunker. The largest indirect contribution was found to come from low energy neutrons with an average angle of 47o where 0o is a plane parallel to the floor. Problem 7 was modeled to obtain pulse height distributions for a germanium detector. Comparison of analytically derived peaks with peak positions in the spectra are made. An examination of the Doppler broadening feature is also included.