A publication of the Advanced Simulation & Computing Division, NA-121.2, NNSA Defense Programs
June 2009
NA-ASC-500-09—Issue 11
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Lawrence Livermore Hosts Predictive Science Panel; Expanded Charter Focuses on Improved Predictivity
The twice-a-year review of the ASC Program by the Predictive Science Panel (PSP) was held at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory March 31 through April 2 to evaluate progress toward the goal of a credible predictive capability. Although the PSP has been evaluating ASC for years, this is the first time the meeting was held with the new expanded charter—to review what experimental data are being acquired and how they are being integrated into improved predictivity of the codes. As a result, the PSP has an expanded purview that now encompasses both ASC and its connection with the Science Campaigns. The original charter was more directly focused on ASC alone.
From the new charter, dated February 2008, the following clarifications were made to the PSP role during their ASC reviews:
- Obtaining key data, the integration of experimental data, and the validation of the models in the major weapons codes are key elements in increasing confidence in the simulations.
- The panel will also examine the integration between experimental programs conducted under the Science Campaign and the development, verification, and validation of the simulation tools. The panel will review the validation and discovery processes driven by the data, obtained both in aboveground experiments and through studying and re-analyzing the archival nuclear test data.
From the executive summary of the PSP report, “The Panel was extremely impressed by the work presented to us. We saw world-class science and what is surely world-class application of it to nuclear weapons.” Technical presentations delivered at the meeting were organized into these technical categories:
- Advanced certification
- National Boost Initiative
- Sequoia
- Experimental science
The next PSP will be held in the fall of 2009 at Los Alamos National Laboratory.
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