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All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2022

Los Alamos National Laboratory High Performance Computing Overview [Slides]

We need such big computers because without testing, we don't understand the health of the AGING stockpile. Our big computers store a wealth of test data. We model weapons as they were tested and see if we can match the results to validate models, and we then use validated models along with dismantlement information on aging to certify the stockpile. Sometimes the results of tests can’t be explained well, so even that part requires massive computations, but applying the model to future use is an astonishing amount of computing.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2022

The Dual-Axis Radiographic Hydrodynamic Test Facility Capability eXpansion (DCX) Strategy

The Dual-Axis Radiographic Hydrodynamic Test (DARHT) facility is a vital and important part of the Nation’s nuclear security enterprise. The Department of Energy/National Nuclear Security Administration (DOE/ NNSA) Stockpile Stewardship Management Plan (SSMP) identifies DARHT as a weapons mission critical facility along with the need to modernize DARHT to support weapons modernization efforts. With more than two decades of operations, DARHT has a storied history. Conceived in the 1970s, constructed in the 1990s, and operational since 2000, DARHT has advanced from open-air hydrodynamic experiments (hydros) to foam-confined hydros, to vessel-confined hydros, and in 2022, the 75 th hydro was successfully completed. Radiography has advanced from a single-axis, single-pulse system to a dual-axis, multi-pulse capability to variable fields of view (VFV) on both accelerators. The culmination of these experiences, accomplishments, and advancements has brought us to a very important question: What do the next two decades at DARHT look like? The world is not the same place it was in the 1990s when construction at DARHT was in progress. Evolving threats, an expanding mission, and technology changes necessitate adaptation. The 2018 Nuclear Posture Review (NPR) states that the nuclear weapons infrastructure has suffered the effects of age and underfunding with no margin for further delay in recapitalizing the physical infrastructure. To adapt, the aging facility, accelerators, vessels, and detector systems require improvements to ensure DARHT remains the Nation’s hydrodynamic data foundation for stockpile certification, safety, surety, and global security threats.

98 NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT, SAFEGUARDS, AND PHYSICAL P↗
DOE OSTI2022

Nuclear Weapons Theater Experience_V1

The theater experience is driven by the big message of nuclear deterrence through successful stockpile stewardship. This job enables other national and global security work with roots going back to the capabilities developed during the Manhattan Project and honed through the history of this successor scientific laboratory. The story that unfolds uses a narrative (traditional film-type approach), although the theater setup would offer immersion and decision-making (audience participation). The idea is to demonstrate how and why the Laboratory continues its mission in maintaining the nation’s stockpile while concurrently enabling the ever-evolving multi-disciplinary science and technology innovations developed for that purpose to take other scientists along vibrant paths.

45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEF↗
DOE OSTI2022

Operational and Mission Highlights: A Monthly Summary of Top Achievements October 2022

On Sept. 26, Director Thom Mason signed the Laboratory’s annual assessment of four of the weapons systems in our nation’s nuclear stockpile: the B61 family of bombs and the W76, the W78 and the W88 warheads. Addressed to the secretary of energy, the secretary of defense and the chair of the Nuclear Weapons Council, this letter informs the president of the United States of our confidence that the stockpile remains safe, secure, and effective now and into the future as a result of our dedicated sustainment and modernization efforts.

45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEF↗
DOE OSTI2022

20 years of the CEA/DAM NNSA/DP Agreement

For the past twenty years, there has been a very active, productive International Agreement between France and the United States of America for Cooperation on Fundamental Science supporting Stockpile Stewardship. Under this Agreement the scientists at the nuclear weapons laboratories in both countries have collaborated on many unclassified research projects in areas such as Materials in Extreme Conditions, Nuclear Physics, and Atomic and Plasma Physics. The results of their efforts have not only been published in the open literature but have enhanced the physics base of the computer codes essential to the mission of ensuring that the nuclear stockpiles are safe, secure and effective. Work on these collaborations is extremely important. Not only does such joint work bring more brilliant minds to work on pressing research problems for both countries but also the collaborative effort sharpens the scientific skills of and presents scientific challenges to the scientific and technical staff of the laboratories. As we reach the 20th Anniversary of the formal signing of the Agreement, we feel it is important to thank all of the individuals who have contributed to its continuing success. Our expectations for brilliant, exciting, challenging joint research projects under this Agreement are at an all-time high. We toast the achievement of this milestone and look forward to the research results to come.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Engineering Services in a Mission Critical Environment: Engineering Services - Science and Technology Operations’ Infrastructure Support at Los Alamos National Laboratory

As an engineering team within a facilities-driven organization, Engineering Services – Science and Technology Operations (ES-STO), supports Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), playing a pivotal role in the U.S. nuclear stockpile mission. This report outlines ES-STO’s contributions through the installation of crucial systems such as HVAC units, compressors, and scientific specialty equipment, as well as providing expert consultation to optimize laboratory operations. ES-STO’s goal is to ensure that LANL's infrastructure and research facilities are aligned with mission-critical needs, supporting both operational efficiency and safety in the nuclear stockpile management and maintenance. This report discusses the installation processes, ongoing consultations, and the significant impact of our efforts on national security objectives.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2025

NCERC 2024 Highlights

The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) is entrusted with ensuring the safety, security, and reliability of the nation’s nuclear weapons stockpile while advancing programs aimed at reducing global nuclear proliferation. These critical mission objectives are achieved through the expertise of a highly skilled team of professionals. The operations at the National Criticality Experiments Research Center (NCERC) play a vital role in developing and enhancing knowledge and expertise in advanced nuclear technologies. NCERC supports a wide range of mission areas, including nuclear criticality safety, nuclear emergency response, and nuclear nonproliferation, safeguards, and arms control. It also provides support to the Department of Homeland Security, advances stockpile stewardship science, and delivers scientific expertise to other government agencies, such as NASA and the Defense Threat Reduction Agency. NCERC conducts experiments utilizing diverse nuclear materials, from small neutron-emitting sources for testing radiation detection equipment to larger quantities of uranium and plutonium for criticality experiments. A cornerstone of NCERC's mission portfolio includes the operation of four critical mass assembly machines—Planet, Comet, Flattop, and Godiva-IV—which are instrumental in advancing nuclear science and ensuring the nation’s nuclear security objectives.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Quantum Computing Strategy 2026

Quantum computing (QC) is a rapidly maturing technology with the potential for revolutionary impacts on stockpile stewardship science and national security. Recent developments in fault-tolerant architectures have compressed vendor roadmaps, and predictions of a production-ready quantum computer by the mid-2030s are becoming increasingly credible. This strategy provides a roadmap for integrating QC into the Advanced Simulation and Computing (ASC) program by investing in four strategic focus areas: 1. Develop Capabilities in Mission-Relevant Quantum Applications: ASC will prioritize developing quantum-ready applications in mission areas that have shown significant promise for quantum advantage, including simulations of materials in extreme environments, nuclear dynamics, solving linear and nonlinear partial differential equations, and uncertainty quantification. These applications directly support stockpile stewardship science and modernization objectives. 2. Conduct R&D in Algorithms, Software, and Hardware: Sustained research into quantum algorithms, robust software tools, and quantum hardware is essential. ASC will develop efficient quantum algorithms; invest in quantum compilers, debuggers, and performance tools; and explore specialized quantum hardware tailored to NNSA’s unique requirements. 3. Engage with Vendors and Partners: Early and active collaboration with commercial quantum hardware vendors and academic partners is critical. Through testbeds, co-design agreements, and quantum demonstration facilities, ASC will influence hardware design, gain early access to emerging technologies, and ensure that quantum platforms evolve to meet mission needs. 4. Build Knowledge, Experience, and Workforce: Expanding and upskilling the quantum-trained workforce is essential to long-term success. This includes hiring, internal training, university outreach, and postdoctoral support to ensure ASC maintains the expertise required to operate, program, and integrate quantum systems as they become available. While quantum computing will never replace classical computing, it has the potential to solve certain problems with speed and accuracy that would be unachievable using any conceivable classical high-performance computing (HPC) system. By investing strategically in QC, ASC will help propel the emergent QC industry, maintain U.S. technological leadership, ensure mission readiness, and position itself to rapidly adopt quantum technologies as they mature.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2026

Quantitative Evaluation of Potassium Iodide Implementation Strategies for Emergency Preparedness and Response

This study evaluates the effectiveness of potassium iodide (KI) distribution strategies in mitigating exposure to radioiodine during severe nuclear power plant accidents. This analysis quantitatively compares various KI distribution methods (pre-distributed versus stockpiles), including scenarios with and without KI administration. The results indicate that differences in distribution strategies impact the projected thyroid dose by at least an order of magnitude. The results also indicate that the timing of KI administration is critical, as expected. For scenarios involving delayed releases of significant quantities of radionuclides, evacuation is the most effective protection strategy regardless of KI distribution method. For scenarios involving rapid releases, retrieving KI from stockpiles can have a detrimental effect. Pre-distributed KI is potentially the most effective approach when used as a supplement to evacuation and sheltering. However, these model results are based on idealized conditions for KI distribution and administration; the actual benefits of KI prophylaxis are likely to be less than estimated in this report due to many variables. The results highlight the importance of considering the cost and rigor of different distribution programs and public compliance with emergency instructions. This report includes suggested research to explore KI distribution plans for advanced reactors.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS1997

Dryden Flight Research Center Chemical Pharmacy Program

The Dryden Flight Research Center (DFRC) Chemical Pharmacy "Crib" is a chemical sharing system which loans chemicals to users, rather than issuing them or having each individual organization or group purchasing the chemicals. This cooperative system of sharing chemicals eliminates multiple ownership of the same chemicals and also eliminates stockpiles. Chemical management duties are eliminated for each of the participating organizations. The chemical storage issues, hazards and responsibilities are eliminated. The system also ensures safe storage of chemicals and proper disposal practices. The purpose of this program is to reduce the total releases and transfers of toxic chemicals. The initial cost of the program to DFRC was $585,000. A savings of $69,000 per year has been estimated for the Center. This savings includes the reduced costs in purchasing, disposal and chemical inventory/storage responsibilities. DFRC has chemicals stored in 47 buildings and at 289 locations. When the program is fully implemented throughout the Center, there will be three chemical locations at this facility. The benefits of this program are the elimination of chemical management duties; elimination of the hazard associated with chemical storage; elimination of stockpiles; assurance of safe storage; assurance of proper disposal practices; assurance of a safer workplace; and more accurate emissions reports.

Davis, Bette↗
DOE OSTI2013

Material Discrimination for Treaty Verification with Multi-energy, X-ray Radiography

As nuclear warhead stockpiles are reduced under current and future arms treaties, accuracy in accountancy of material stockpiles becomes increasingly important. Image-based active interrogation offers advantages to spectroscopic detection in its ability to measure the location and extent of a material, or materials, of interest from a declaration. However, the detail that imaging provides is often viewed as too intrusive due to its potential to disseminate sensitive information. In this work, we present a method for reducing multi-energy, x-ray radiography data to a few important attributes, based on declarations from behind an information barrier, which can then be used to confirm or deny a declaration. We build on previous work by improving the physics modeling; considering currently attainable, multiple-endpoint x-ray systems; and posing the problem as a nonlinear, inverse problem. Regularization is added to the problem, which smooths the solution and stabilizes an otherwise unstable solution. Here we show the ability to discriminate high-atomic–number materials from others with simulated single-view multiple-endpoint radiography data and present results from initial bench-top measurements.

imaging↗
DOE OSTI2017

Trinity Supercomputer Now Fully Operational

Now one of the fastest supercomputers in the United States, the Trinity Supercomputer Phase II project was completed during the summer of 2017, and the computer became fully operational during an unclassified “open science” run. The computer has now transitioned to classified mode. The Trinity supercomputer is designed to provide increased computational capability for the NNSA Nuclear Security Enterprise in support of increasing geometric and physics fidelities in nuclear weapons simulation codes, while maintaining expectations for total time to solution. The capabilities of Trinity are required for supporting the NNSA Stockpile Stewardship program’s certification and assessments to ensure that the nation’s nuclear stockpile is safe, secure and effective. With an expected operational lifetime through 2020, Trinity is an approximately 41.5 petaflop (41.5 million billion calculations per second, peak performance) supercomputer based on the Cray XC40 architecture. It consists of 19,420 compute nodes utilizing two processor architectures, Intel Xeon Haswell and Intel Xeon Phi Knights Landing. It is a water-cooled system with a power requirement of about 10 megawatts. The Trinity project is managed and operated by Los Alamos National Laboratory and Sandia National Laboratories under the Alliance for Computing at Extreme Scale (ACES) partnership. The system is located at the Nicholas Metropolis Center for Modeling and Simulation at Los Alamos and covers approximately 5,200 square feet of floor space.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2019

National Nuclear Security Administration Strategic Vision Strengthening our Nation through Nuclear Security

The National Nuclear Security Administration’s enduring mission is to protect our nation by maintaining a safe, secure, and effective nuclear weapons stockpile, reducing global nuclear threats, and providing our submarines and aircraft carriers with militarily effective nuclear propulsion. Although we have numerous strategic partners that enable, contribute to, and benefit from our efforts, no other organization, government or civilian, can accomplish our unique mission on behalf of the American people. In this area, we stand alone. This strategic vision pursues urgent change at a significant scale to develop creative approaches, make sustained investments, and be disciplined in our approach to develop a nuclear capability for our time and for the foreseeable future. It is incumbent on us to anticipate our future security challenges and ensure our country is ready to meet them. Not doing so would have far-reaching consequences. Failure to meet our vital mission objectives will erode confidence in the security that the United States strategic deterrent umbrella provides. In assessing the current mission environment in NNSA, we can count on one thing—change: The geopolitical environment for our deterrent is ever-changing Threats from rogue states and terrorists are evolving Our nuclear weapons and the infrastructure that supports them are aging Science and technology continue to move forward at an ever-increasing pace In this dynamic environment, it is not sufficient to remedy today’s situation and meet our current mission requirements. We must lean forward in the development, planning, and execution of programs that address our current challenges while developing the workforce, infrastructure, tools, and governance systems that will enable us to meet our deterrence, non-proliferation, and naval propulsion mission requirements for the next 50 years. We must embrace a next-generation enterprise that is flexible enough to respond to future challenges. With decades of stagnation following the end of the Cold War, we find ourselves in the unenviable position of implementing near-term fixes while using those lessons learned to better prepare for the future. Without sustained and predictable investments to restore and modernize our infrastructure, we will rapidly lose our ability to deliver on our promise of a safe and reliable nuclear weapons stockpile, which will degrade our deterrent capability and render legacy weapon systems irrelevant to the defense of our nation. We must not and will not allow the next generation of our nuclear security enterprise to simply maintain the status quo. We have a storied past that guides us. For 75 years our enterprise has overcome every challenge, led the country in incredible scientific and engineering endeavors and discoveries, and successfully ensured constant vigilance in maintaining an effective deterrent, reducing global nuclear threats, and powering our nuclear navy. Now is the time for us to take decisive action in forging the enterprise of the future. As I have traveled to all of our labs, plants, and sites and met with people across our complex, I have been left with one overwhelming impression: the incredible workforce that makes up our nuclear security enterprise is up to all of the challenges we have before us. Together we can and will ensure that those in the future workforce have the resources and the responsive, agile infrastructure they need to maintain the systems of today and to design and field the systems of tomorrow.

Source record↗
DOE OSTI2012

A Journey From Sandia To Los Alamos - 12465

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) relies on laboratory experiments and computer-based models to verify the reliability of the nation's nuclear stockpile. Sandia National Laboratories/New Mexico (SNL/NM) tests various materials in extreme environments designed to mimic those of nuclear explosions using the Z machine. The Z machine is a key tool in the National Nuclear Security Administration's (NNSA) stockpile stewardship mission and is used to study the dynamic properties of nuclear weapon materials. In 2006, SNL/NM and Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) defining experiments to be conducted in the Z machine involving plutonium (Pu) provided by LANL. Five Pu experiments have been completed with as many as 20 more planned through 2016. The experimental containment vessel used for the experiment and containing the Pu residues, becomes transuranic (TRU) waste after the experiment and termination of safeguards and is considered a LANL waste stream. Each containment vessel is placed in a 55-gallon Type A drum or standard waste box (SWB) for shipment back to LANL for final certification and eventual disposal at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP). The experimental containment vessels are greater than 99% metallic materials (ferrous and non-ferrous metals). In addition to the Pu targets, detonators with high explosives (HE) are used in the experiments to isolate the containment vessel from the Z machine as energy is delivered to the Pu samples. The characterization requirements, transportation issues, required documentation, and the approvals needed before shipments were challenging and required close coordination between SNL/NM, Sandia Site Office, LANL, Los Alamos Site Office, Washington TRU Solutions, Inc., the Central Characterization Project, and the Carlsbad Field Office. Between 2006 and 2010, representatives from SNL/NM and LANL worked to develop an approved path forward to meet the requirements of all stakeholders. This project clearly demonstrates successful cooperation between LANL and SNL/NM, and support from the LASO, SSO, CBFO, WTS, and CCP. Key elements were communication and documented plans with responsible parties and due dates. Now that the first successful shipment has been accomplished, it is believed that future shipments will become a more routine activity. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2019

The Effect of Glass Chemistry on Caesium Volatility in Iron Phosphate Glass Systems - 19344

The UK currently has a stockpile of 99,000 m{sup 3} of intermediate level waste (ILW), with this figure expected to rise to 191,000 m{sup 3} by 2125. Current immobilisation options include cementation and thermal treatment, with cementation being the preferred candidate due to the simplicity of processing. However, thermal processing such as vitrification could offer significant volume reductions, up to 75 % for some waste-streams. In comparison, cementation is generally associated with a volume increase, with a typical waste package seeing a volume increase of 200 - 400 %. For vitrification to be accepted as the preferred treatment option of ILW in the UK, the issue of volatility during the vitrification process must be addressed. Volatile components of ILW such as Cs-137 and Sr-90 account for almost 50 % of the current total radioactivity produced by the UK's ILW stockpile. Therefore, the efficient retention of these elements into the glass immobilisation medium must be considered. Various approaches can be employed when trying to increase volatile retention, however this project has focussed on the influence of glass chemistry on volatility. A series of iron phosphate glasses containing 5 mol % of B{sub 2}O{sub 3}, MnO and ZnO have been produced, where additives have been substituted in place of Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} in a standard 40Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3}-60P{sub 2}O{sub 5} system. All glass samples were characterised using Raman spectroscopy, SEM-EDX, thermal analysis, XRD and XRF. The glasses were then doped with caesium carbonate and re-melted in the system described below. A simple off-gas system has been developed and commissioned to capture and characterise volatiles released from the glass during melting. The off-gas system has been refined several times, with the most recent design comprising of a sealed stainless steel system, connected to two gas washing bottles containing 150 ml of 50 % nitric acid. Nitrogen gas is passed through the system for the duration of the experiment at a flow rate of ∼ 0.9 L/min to ensure efficient carryover of the volatiles released from the glass melt into the solutions in the gas washing bottles. The total retention of the volatiles can be measuring by analysing the contents of the gas washing bottles using ICP-MS and XRF of the final glass product. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2021

Reactivity in cement pastes bearing fine fraction concrete and glass from construction and demolition waste: Microstructural analysis of viability

Converting construction and demolition waste (CDW) into secondary raw materials is one of the priorities of environmental policy and circular economy strategy. This study analysed the variation in eco-efficient paste reactivity with OPC replacement ratio (5% to 10%) and hydration time (2 d, 28 d and 90 d). Three types of CDW were explored: two (calcareous and siliceous) consisting of fine (4 AH{sub 13} and C{sub 4}AcH{sub 11}, ettringite and portlandite, were the same as observed in OPC hydration. These findings attest to the scientific viability recycling such CDWs as mineral additions in eco-cement manufacture and consequently eliminating the need for stockpiling these materials at recycling/storage plants.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2013

Time bomb or hidden treasure? Characteristics of junk TVs and of the US households who store them

Highlights: ► US households are storing 84.1 million broken or obsolete (junk) TVs. ► They represent 2.12 million metric tons of scrap. ► The value of these materials is approximately $21 per TV. ► Our count models characterize US households who store junk TVs. ► Our results are useful for designing more effective TV recycling programs. - Abstract: Within the growing stockpile of electronic waste (e-waste), TVs are especially of concern in the US because of their number (which is known imprecisely), their low recycling rate, and their material content: cathode ray tube televisions contain lead, and both rear projection and flat panel displays contain mercury, in addition to other potentially toxic materials. Based on a unique dataset from a 2010 survey, our count models show that pro-environmental behavior, age, education, household size, marital status, gender of the head of household, dwelling type, and geographic location are statistically significant variables for explaining the number of broken or obsolete (junk) TVs stored by US households. We also estimate that they are storing approximately 84.1 million junk TVs, which represents 40 pounds of scrap per household. Materials in each of these junk TVs are worth $21 on average at January 2012 materials prices, which sets an upper bound on collecting and recycling costs. This information should be helpful for developing more effective recycling strategies for TVs in the e-waste stream.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2012

Proton Radiography: Its uses and Resolution Scaling

Los Alamos National Laboratory has used high energy protons as a probe in flash radiography for over a decade. In this time the proton radiography project has used 800 MeV protons, provided by the LANSCE accelerator facility at LANL, to diagnose over five-hundred dynamic experiments in support of stockpile stewardship programs as well as basic materials science. Through this effort significant experience has been gained in using charged particles as direct radiographic probes to diagnose transient systems. The results of this experience will be discussed through the presentation of data from experiments recently performed at the LANL pRad.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗