Advanced Simulation and Computing FY12-13 Implementation Plan, Volume 2, Revision 0.5

The Stockpile Stewardship Program (SSP) is a single, highly integrated technical program for maintaining the surety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile. The SSP uses nuclear test data, computational modeling and simulation, and experimental facilities to advance understanding of nuclear weapons. It includes stockpile surveillance, experimental research, development and engineering (D&E) programs, and an appropriately scaled production capability to support stockpile requirements. This integrated national program requires the continued use of experimental facilities and programs, and the computational enhancements to support these programs. The Advanced Simulation and Computing Program (ASC) is a cornerstone of the SSP, providing simulation capabilities and computational resources that support annual stockpile assessment and certification, study advanced nuclear weapons design and manufacturing processes, analyze accident scenarios and weapons aging, and provide the tools to enable stockpile Life Extension Programs (LEPs) and the resolution of Significant Finding Investigations (SFIs). This requires a balanced resource, including technical staff, hardware, simulation software, and computer science solutions. In its first decade, the ASC strategy focused on demonstrating simulation capabilities of unprecedented scale in three spatial dimensions. In its second decade, ASC is now focused on increasing predictive capabilities in a three-dimensional (3D) simulation environment while maintaining support to the SSP. The program continues to improve its unique tools for solving progressively more difficult stockpile problems (sufficient resolution, dimensionality, and scientific details), quantify critical margins and uncertainties, and resolve increasingly difficult analyses needed for the SSP. Moreover, ASC’s business model is integrated and focused on requirements-driven products that address long-standing technical questions related to enhanced predictive capab. Authors: Meisner, Robert [US Department of Energy (USDOE) National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), Washington, DC (United States)]; Phillips, J. [Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)]; McCoy, Michel [Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)]; Webster, Robert [Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States)]. DOE Contract: W-7405-ENG-48; AC52-07NA27344. Subjects: 72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS; 97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING