School: University of Wisconsin, Madison

Began Rickover Fellowship: September 2008

Lab Assignment: N/A

Lab Mentor: Dr. Tom Sutton

Degree(s):
B.S. Nuclear Engineering, Penn State
M.S. Nuclear Engineering, University of Wisconsin

Expected Graduation Date: May 2011

University Advisor: Dr. Paul Wilson

Field of Study: Nuclear Engineering

Email Address: slaybaugh@wisc.edu

Summary of Research:
I am researching the propagation of stochastic error through the coupled calculation stream: Monte Carlo neutron transport – neutron activation – Monte Carlo photon transport. The goals of this research are to compute the total stochastic error associated with the resultant photon dose and to understand how this total error changes as the stochastic error from either the neutron calculation or the photon calculation is changed. These items will enable a more detailed and complete expression of error in addition to a better understanding of how precise each portion of the calculation must be in order to obtain a final stochastic error value. Such knowledge is useful for calculating accurately the photon flux being emitted from, and the subsequent radiation environment around, any machine containing a neutron source. This work also has potential for application in Monte Carlo depletion/burnup calculations.

Publications:

1. Slaybaugh, R.N., P.P.H. Wilson, L.A. El-Guebaly, E.P. Marriott. “Three-Dimensional Neutron Source Models for Toroidal Fusion Energy Systems.” Submitted to Fusion Engineering and Design Aug 2008.

2. Slaybaugh, R. N., M. L. Williams, D. Ilas, D. E. Peplow, B. L. Kirk, T. L. Nichols, Y. Y. Azmy, M. P. Langer. "Radiation Treatment Planning Using Discrete Ordinates Codes," Presented at 2007 ANS Annual Meeting in Boston, MA, June 2007. Transactions vol 96.

3. Slaybaugh, Rachel. "Strengths and Weaknesses of Nuclear Engineering Education," Presented at 2007 ANS Annual Meeting in Boston, MA, June 2007. Transactions vol 96.