The RANKERN program has been developed by Serco Assurance to satisfy the requirements for a rapid method for the design and assessment of gamma-ray shielding. It utilises the point-kernel technique which is both simple to apply and readily understood by a designer who is not a shielding specialist.
RANKERN is developed in collaboration with BNFL
The latest version of RANKERN is RANKERN 15A - details of its new features can be found in the New Features Guide.
What can RANKERN be used for?
Users can benefit from using RANKERN for design and dose assessment studies such as :
- Studies in and around Fuel Transport flasks
- Skyshine studies
- Multi-legged duct studies
A selection of applications of RANKERN are shown in the Applications Gallery.
Customers find RANKERN easy to use - Why?
Learning to use RANKERN is straightforward which means reduced training costs and minimal learning time for new users. It has simple representations of geometry, source and material data.
RANKERN has an easy to use input syntax and is backed up by a comprehensive range of introductory and reference documentation, including an easy to follow User Guide and a range of Applications Guides that take you through specific problems.
If you need assistance you can turn to our helpline
Why are RANKERN Models easier to set up?
RANKERN has a versatile collection of freely-orientated solid bodies which are used to form complex components that can be easily combined into complete systems just as an engineer would assemble plant. Approximations that are associated with other geometry modelling packages are eliminated with
RANKERN giving increased confidence in the model to the user.
Standard components can be stored in a library to be used again and again thus reducing input preparation time and ensuring consistency across different models.
RANKERN shares the same geometry package as MCBEND and MONK.
How do I know my model is correct?
RANKERN is supported by a range of graphics productivity tools which means that checking for geometry errors is easy.
Why is RANKERN so useful?
RANKERN solves the simple point-kernel equation to permit a rapid solution of the radiation transport problem. It accounts for scattered radiation using a build-up factor. RANKERN has an automatic technique to optimise source sampling and so increase the efficiency of the calculation. RANKERN has the option to treat penetration paths involving multiple flight scatter or reflection.
What if I want a more accurate solution?
RANKERN data input is compatible with more accurate methods (i.e. MCBEND) for simplifying final evaluation studies.
What validation supports my calculation?
A central validation database supports the use of RANKERN and contains a wide range of experimental comparisons to give the user increased confidence in the code.
Where do I find out more?
For a more detailed view have a look at a few technical papers.
For further information contact the ANSWERS Customer Support Team.