Application of Monte Carlo method in forward simulation of azimuthal gamma imaging while drilling

Monte Carlo simulation is one of the most important numerical simulation methods in nuclear logging. Formation models can be conveniently built with MCNP code, which provides a simple and effective approach for fundamental study of nuclear logging. Monte Carlo method is employed to set up formation models under logging while drilling condition, and the characteristic of azimuthal gamma imaging is simulated. The results present that the azimuthal gamma imaging shows a sinusoidal curve features. The imaging can be used to accurately calculate the relative dip angle of borehole and thickness of radioactive formation. The larger relative dip angle of borehole and the thicker radioactive formation lead to the larger height of the sinusoidal curve in the imaging. The borehole size has no affect for the calculation of the relative dip angle, but largely affects the determination of formation thickness. The standoff of logging tool has great influence for the calculation of the relative dip angle and formation thickness. If the gamma ray counts meet the demand of counting statistics in nuclear logging, the effect of borehole fluid on the imaging can be ignored. (authors)