NOVICE is the leading software suite for space systems radiation effects. It is, and has been for decades, a mission-critical part of satellite and deep space probe programs.
Current NOVICE users include multiple NASA facilities, including the CalTech Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, and numerous aerospace and defense companies in North America and Europe.
NOVICE calculates and models radiation transport methods and effects. It enables the design and 3D modeling of spacecraft and discrete space system components. NOVICE also has certain medical applications for radiation-based therapies. The 3D modeling for computer aided design (CAD) also employs combinatorial solid geometry (CSG) when appropriate.
Video Demo of NOVICE Software with Discussion of Features and Capabilities
Easily processing 256 or more CAD files and 200,000 or more objects simultaneously, NOVICE creates 3D models of even the most complex and numerous objects. It offers multiple views, including cross-sections, blueprints, cutaways and blend operations, then performs fast and complete analysis of radiation effects and exports the graphics files.
Fully compatible with servers, workstations, and personal computers, NOVICE includes algorithms for neutron, photon, electron, proton, and galactic cosmic ray transport in 3D geometries.
For videos demonstrating NOVICE and walking through the use of some of its features, click here.
ANALYSIS METHODS INCLUDE:
- ADJOINT Monte Carlo* for both neutral and charged particles, including flux-at-a-point calculations in the continuous energy context
- Forward Monte Carlo
- Point kernel approximations
- Solid-angle sectoring (ray-tracing using “minimum path” and “slant-path solid sphere”)
- Advanced moments and matrix mathematics
- Direct numerical integration.
Calculated radiation effects include total dose, charged deposition, particle counting with coincidence/anti-coincidence logic, and single particle event effects/upsets (SEE/SEU). SEE models provide pulse height distributions, LET (linear energy transfer) distributions, SEU predictions using measured cross sections, and proton upsets using both spallation/fragmentation and Bendel parametric models.
CAPABILITIES HIGHLIGHTS:
- Calculates radiation effects on complex CAD/CSG geometry models of space systems
- Easily handles +256 large CAD files simultaneously
- Processes +200,000 or more objects as needed for complete system description, with no loss in speed or accuracy
- Fully addresses total dose, damage, upset, charging, and single particle and other radiation effects from the Van Allen Belts, solar particle events, galactic cosmic rays and on-board nuclear sources
- Interfaces with MCNP (Los Alamos National Laboratory), GEANT4, ITS3/ACCEPT (Sandia National Laboratory), CEPXS/1LD, SPENVIS, and others
- Calculates weight-optimized shielding as STL files for 3D Printing/Additive Manufacturing
ACCESSIBILITY & EASE OF USE:
- Graphical User Interface
- Advanced OpenGL 3D viewer uniquely isolates any object within a complex system by virtually any descriptor – material, size, weight, location, etc. – with one click, then zooms and manipulates the object for viewing and analysis
- Creates a user-specific menu of frequently run processes
- Enables seamless, single run NOVICE analysis of multiple thresholds of multiple variables (material, thickness, radiation, system configuration, etc.)
- Automatically converts CAD files into geometry and all other information for analysis
- Easily imports and edits all NOVICE data files, including pre-existing files
- Clients report that the GUI is so user friendly they now engage NOVICE capabilities they had not previously realized existed
- Convenient, fast import of CAD models
- Effortless import of heritage CSG models, saving significant time and modeling effort
- Drag and drop of data files to the NOVICE desktop icon
- Run status on window title bar
- Simplified processing of complex CubeSat calculations
With these features, NOVICE fully addresses spacecraft and spacecraft component packaging analysis, covering environments, effects, tabulated vs 1-d slab and sphere thickness, 3D ray-trace analysis using novice*sigma, enclosure/box wall shields (1 through 6 as needed), instrument modeling, electronics board modeling, electronics part shielding, and radiation testing analysis.
MEDICAL APPLICATIONS:
- For manned missions, NOVICE calculates radiation levels on human organs, employing the CAM/CAF 50th percentile anatomical models of astronauts.
- NOVICE can be used in cobalt-60 irradiation sterilization for pharmaceutical and other medical ventures
There For You
- Project assistance, consultation and support are available, typically at no additional charge. On-site initial training in NOVICE is available too, if needed.
Contact us to license NOVICE. Also see our License NOVICE page for licensing options.
Only NOVICE
EMPC has become aware of at least one other entity claiming, among other things:
- Interoperability with NOVICE. EMPC expressly disclaims any accuracy as to any such statements. No entity making such claims is, or has ever been, a licensee of NOVICE or any other EMPC product. No entity making such claims has communicated with EMPC about their claims, nor received EMPC’s permission to make such claims.
- That such entity is purportedly “the only radiation engineering solution that saves time by optimizing the shielding design” and “that saves time by directly using CAD models.”
- EMPC’s longstanding, industry standard NOVICE software demonstrably contradicts any such claims. Moreover, EMPC’s capabilities and performance are vastly superior to any other product.
EMPC does not want inaccurate or unauthorized claims of interoperability with NOVICE being made. Any person who observes any such claims being made is encouraged to alert EMPC, confidentially if preferred.
*ADJOINT Monte Carlo for charged particles was pioneered by EMPC’s chief physicist Thomas M. Jordan, the leading authority in space systems radiation analysis.