Dynamic radiation dose visualization in discrete-event nuclear facility simulation models

To improve its process modeling capabilities, Los Alamos has worked toward integrating dose modeling tools with advanced discrete-event simulation tools. To date, dose information for a model was preprocessed and then incorporated into a process model. In this paper, we describe a quantum improvement in our capabilities by linking a dose calculation kernel to the discrete-event modeling environment through the customizable routine capabilities provided by the Flexsim™ code. The Flexsim™ model uses ray-tracing routines to calculate the source and detector locations and determines the materials, thickness, and order of any shields between the source and detector. With this information, the dose calculation kernel is then able to calculate, in a post processing setting, the associated dose. Thus, we are able to determine the time-varying and integrated exposure of workers to ionizing radiation, which will be integral to planning for future nuclear facilities in the DOE complex.