Input syntax manual

Preface

Serpent has no interactive user interface. All communication between the code and the user is handled through one or several input files and various output files.

The format of the input file is unrestricted. The file consists of white-space (space, tab or newline) separated words, containing alphanumeric characters(’a-z’, ’A-Z’, ’0-9’, ’.’, ’-’). If special characters or white spaces need to be used within the word (file names, etc.), the entire string must be enclosed within quotation marks.

The input file is divided into separate data blocks, denoted as cards. The file is processed one card at a time and there are no restrictions regarding the order in which the cards should be organized. The input cards are listed below. Additional options are followed by key word "set". All input cards and options are case-insensitive (note to developers: make it so). Each input card is delimited by the beginning of the next card. It is hence important that none of the parameter strings used within the card coincide with the card identifiers.

The percent-sign ('%') is used to define a comment line. Anything from this character to the end of the line is omitted when the input file is read. Unlike Serpent 1, hashtag ('#') can no longer be used to mark comment lines in Serpent 2 input. The alternative is to use C-style comment sections beginning with "/*" and ending with "*/". Everything between these delimiters is omitted, regardless of the number of newlines or special characters.

This page will contain the whole input syntax of Serpent 2, with links to more detailed descriptions where needed. For reference see also the Serpent 1 input manual.

Input options

Input options are used to set various calculation parameters that are not included in the main input cars. Each option is identified by key word "set". Optional values are enclosed within square brackets.

set delnu

set delnu <dnu>

Sets delayed neutron emission on or off. Input values:

<dnu>

: option to switch delayed neutron emission off (0/no) or on (1/yes)

Notes:

• Delayed neutron emission is on by default in neutron criticality source and off by default in external source simulations.

set gcut

set gcut <gmax> 

Sets generation cut-off for neutrons. Input values:

<gmax>

: number of simulated generations before cut-off

The generation cut-off can be used in neutron external source simulations, to limit the length of fission chains.

Notes:

• Applicable only to neutron external source simulation (invoked using set nps)
• Generation or time cut-off (set tcut) is always needed for neutron external source simulations in super-critical systems.

set nps

set nps <ppb> [ <btch> ] 

Sets parameters for simulated particle population in external source mode. Input values:

<ppb>	: number of particles per batch
<btch>	: number of batches

The simulation is for a number batches using the given batch size.

Notes:

• Using the nps card sets the mode to external source simulation. Criticality source simulation for neutrons is invoked using set pop.
• Running an external source simulation requires a source, defined by the src card. Source definition also sets the transported particle type.
• Neutron external source simulations are limited to sub-critical systems, unless time cut-off (set tcut) or generation cut-off (set gcut) is invoked.
• Neutron external source simulations in multiplying systems may require adjusting the neutron buffer (set nbuf).
• Delayed neutron emission is switched off by default in neutron external source simulation (for compatibility with MCNP). Delayed neutrons can be included with set delnu.

set pop

set pop <npg> <ngen> <nskip> [ <k0> <btch> ] 

Sets parameters for simulated neutron population in criticality source mode. Input values:

<npg>	: number of neutrons per generation
<ncyc>	: number of active generations
<nskip>	: number of inactive generations
<k0>	: initial guess for k-eff
<btch>	: batching interval

The simulation is first run for a number of inactive generations to allow the fission source to converge. This is followed by a number of active generations, during which the results are collected. The statistics are divided in batches, and by default each generation forms its own batch.

Notes:

• Using the pop card sets the mode to criticality source simulation. External source simulation is invoked using set nps.
• Convergence of fission source can be monitored using Shannon entropy (input parameters set his and set entr).
• Initial guess for k-eff is 1.0 by default. Setting the value manually may get the simulation going if it terminates on the first generation because of poor initial guess. The value does not affect fission source convergence.
• See detailed description on the statistical effects of batching.

set tcut

set tcut <tmax> 

Sets time cut-off for neutrons and photons. Input values:

<tmax>

: time limit for simulated particle histories (in seconds)

The time cut-off can be used in both neutron and photon external source simulations, to limit the length of particle histories.

Notes:

• Time or generation cut-off (set gcut) is always needed for neutron external source simulations in super-critical systems.
• Note to developers: this should take independent values for photons and neutrons
• Note to developers: add links to description of dynamic mode