Vol. 52, No. 3        February 11, 2000

Pulsed power

Igniting an inertial confinement fusion capsule in the laboratory remains one of the grand challenges of science. The recent achievement on Z of temperatures several hundred times greater than the surface of the sun has enabled detailed experiments to confirm the computational models of hohlraum temperature and radiation symmetry around a surrogate fusion capsule. In addition, we have demonstrated a target configuration that will allow us to reach a radiation symmetry that is within a factor of two of the requirement for fusion capsule implosions. (1600) (S&TSMU)

Isentropic Compression Experiments on Z: A new magnetic loading technique was developed on the Z accelerator that allows simultaneous study of the high-pressure equation of state (EOS) of multiple samples to several hundred kbar. This dramatically reduces the cost and time for obtaining EOS data, significantly advancing the ability to perform materials development for several nonnuclear and nuclear weapons applications. It is being applied to neutron generator materials at Sandia, to primary weapon physics materials for other labs, and is written into two of DOE's campaign plans. (1600) (S&TSMU)

Researchers at Sandia are investigating the use of high-energy electron beams for enthalpy addition to supersonic airflow. These first-of-a-kind experiments are part of a five-year program to develop a Mach 12-16 hypersonic ground test facility. A goal of this program is the development of a 50 MW electron beam accelerator, equivalent to the combined operating capacity of the approximately 1,000 industrial accelerators operating worldwide. This Air Force-funded program combines teams from the Arnold Engineering and Development Center, Princeton University, LLNL, and MSE, Inc. (1600, 6400) (S&TSMU)

Advanced computational and experimental capability development required for the hostile environment assessment of the W76 MC4380 neutron generator has been completed. This is the first major reentry system component to enter the stockpile without access to the underground testing assessment tool. Project needs accelerated the development of massively parallel Accelerated Strategic Computing Initiative (ASCI) codes: (1) forward and adjoint Integrated TIGER Series (ITS) 3D radiation transport capability, and (2) the PRONTO3D thermomechanical transient dynamics code. The Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) modified a high-dose bremsstrahlung capability at the PITHON and Double Eagle accelerators for this program. The research established bounds on failure thresholds for the complex braze joints in the generators. (15300, 1800, 2100, 2500, 6400, 8700, 9100, 14400) (NWSBU)

Intense radiation from the Z accelerator creates conditions on Earth that are advancing the understanding of black holes and neutron stars. The accretion disks surrounding these massive objects consist of matter bathed in X-rays that photoionize the constituent atoms, such as iron. Several new billion-dollar satellites will measure the X-ray spectra to help astronomers understand the accretion process. The Z experiments aim to reproduce astrophysical conditions in a photo-ionized iron plasma and validate the atomic physics calculations used to interpret satellite data. (1600, Lawrence Livermore V Division) (S&TSMU)

Last modified: February 28, 2000

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