Response Functions

Cyclone Manual - Response Functions

Response functions can be inserted directly into an MCNP input through the Code Editor. New response functions can be created or imported.

Creator

Response functions can be created from multiple energy levels and a response values (Figure 97). A reference can be included with the response function.

Database

The database (Figure 98) provides access to all response functions including user created ones. All responses can be exported and user created ones can be deleted.

Import/Export

Response functions define how particle flux values are converted into dose or dose equivalent using energy-dependent conversion coefficients. These functions can be exported, edited externally, and re-imported, or shared between users.

JSON Structure

A valid response function JSON must define a name, a radiation type, a set of energy values, and corresponding response values. An optional reference field can also be provided.

Single Response Function Example

JSON
1{
2  "Name": "ICRP74 Neutron",
3  "Radiation Type": "neutron",
4  "Energy Values": [1.0e-9, 1.0e-6, 1.0e-3, 1.0, 10.0],
5  "Response Values": [2.1e-8, 5.6e-7, 4.3e-5, 2.5e-2, 1.2e-1],
6  "Reference": "ICRP Publication 74, Conversion Coefficients for Use in Radiological Protection"
7}

Multiple Response Functions Example

JSON
1{
2  "responses": [
3    {
4      "Name": "ICRP74 Gamma",
5      "Radiation Type": "photon",
6      "Energy Values": [0.01, 0.1, 1.0, 10.0],
7      "Response Values": [0.0012, 0.0085, 0.012, 0.011],
8      "Reference": "ICRP Publication 74"
9    },
10    {
11      "Name": "ICRP74 Electron",
12      "Radiation Type": "electron",
13      "Energy Values": [0.01, 0.1, 1.0, 10.0],
14      "Response Values": 0.0005, 0.002, 0.006, 0.009
15    }
16  ]
17}

Required Fields

Each response function must include:

Name – Unique identifier for the response function.
Radiation Type – The type of radiation (e.g. "neutron", "photon", "electron").
Energy Values – Array of energies (in MeV). Must be strictly increasing.
Response Values – Array of dose conversion coefficients corresponding to the energy values.

Note: The number of entries in Energy Values must match the number of entries in Response Values.

Optional Fields

Reference – A citation or description of the data source.

Import Process

Open the Response Function Database.
Click the Import Response Function button (bottom-right).
Select a JSON file.
The file will be validated:
Every entry must have a name.
Radiation Type, Energy Values, and Response Values must all be present.
Length of Energy Values and Response Values arrays must match.
Successfully imported response functions are stored in local storage under "response functions".

After Import

Imported response functions appear in the database.
They can be selected and inserted directly into input decks in either row format (DE/DF) or column format.
They can also be exported again in JSON format for reuse.