Safety and Security
This area focuses on engineering codes as they apply to nuclear weapon. External load prediction capability includes mechanical (impact, pressure,) and thermal (propellant and hydrocarbon) environments. System response prediction capability includes mechanical (large deformation, contact, fracture), thermal (conduction, surface radiation), and lightning (arc).
This area assesses models used to predict the reliability/survivability of weapon systems and components in hostile mechanical environments and radiation-induced electrical environments. For mechanical response, the models must predict long-term response to track the flow of energy from the body exterior through the structure to elicit responses at the component level.
This area assesses modeling and simulation capabilities needed to predict weapon performance through a broad range of operational delivery environments. For re-entry systems, the operational environment includes extreme aerodynamic and aerothermodynamic conditions. For aircraft-delivered systems, the operational environment includes harsh shock and vibration conditions.
This area focuses on the physics-based simulation capabilities related to Sandia-developed nuclear weapon components, such as neutron generators, gas transfer systems, and arming, fuzing and firing systems.
Full System Models
The Full System Models activity focuses on developing, verifying, and validating models for numerous weapon systems and selected components, spanning a range of normal, abnormal, and hostile operating conditions.