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Monte Carlo Methods on Advanced Computer Architectures

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Advances in Nuclear Science and Technology

Part of the book series: Advances in Nuclear Science and Technology ((ANST,volume 22))

Abstract

Monte Carlo methods describe a wide class of computational methods that utilize random numbers to perform a statistical simulation of a physical problem, which itself need not be a stochastic process (1). For example, Monte Carlo can be used to evaluate definite integrals, which are not stochastic processes, or may be used to simulate the transport of electrons in a space vehicle, which is a stochastic process. The name Monte Carlo came about during the Manhattan Project to describe the new mathematical methods being developed which had some similarity to the games of chance played in the casinos of Monte Carlo. Particle transport Monte Carlo is just one application of Monte Carlo methods, and will be the subject of this review paper. Other applications of Monte Carlo, such as reliability studies, classical queueing theory, molecular structure, the study of phase transitions, or quantum chromodynamics calculations for basic research in particle physics, are not included in this review. The reference by Kalos (1) is an introduction to general Monte Carlo methods and references to other applications of Monte Carlo can be found in this excellent book. For the remainder of this paper, the term Monte Carlo will be synonymous to particle transport Monte Carlo, unless otherwise noted.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Nuclear Engineering, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-2104, USA

    William R. Martin

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  1. William R. Martin
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Fellow of Magdalene College, Cambridge University, Cambridge, England

    Jeffery Lewins

  2. College of Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida, USA

    Martin Becker (Dean) (Dean)

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© 1991 Springer Science+Business Media New York

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Martin, W.R. (1991). Monte Carlo Methods on Advanced Computer Architectures. In: Lewins, J., Becker, M. (eds) Advances in Nuclear Science and Technology. Advances in Nuclear Science and Technology, vol 22. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-3392-4_3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-3392-4_3

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4613-6498-6

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4615-3392-4

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