Abstract and subjects
Extensive validation of MCNP5/6 [1,2] has been performed over the last several years for criticality benchmarks [3,4]. The MCNP development team continually improves the validation capabilities in this area [5]. Far less attention, however, has been given to the MCNP shielding benchmark suite [3]. This is despite the fact that MCNP is often used for criticality accident assessment and alarm design, an application of direct importance to the U.S. Department of Energy Nuclear Criticality Safety Program. Recent work improved these shielding benchmarks and new validation calculations were performed [3]. Like with the criticality suite. automation of running and data processing is implemented. Plans for new benchmarks, including those in Volume VIII of the International Handbook of Evaluated Criticality Safety Benchmark Experiments (ICSBEP) [6] for inclusion into the MCNP6 Shielding Validation Suite arc discussed.