High-Energy-Density Physics Study Report; A Comprehensive Study of the Role of High-Energy-Density Physics in the Stockpile Stewardship Program
2001. Fourth Printing [stated]. Velobound. Various paginations (approximately 180 pages). Illustrations (color). Bibliography. Appendices A-K (includes Glossary and Acronyms). Figures. Distribution memorandum laid in. In its fiscal year (FY) 2001 Energy and Water Development Appropriation, Congress directed the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) to complete a study that “includes conclusions as to whether the full-scale NIF [National Ignition Facility] is required in order to maintain the safety and reliability of the current nuclear weapons stockpile, and whether alternatives to the NIF could achieve the objective of maintaining the safety and reliability of the current nuclear weapons stockpile.” To meet this requirement, the NNSA has conducted a detailed study of the role of high-energy-density physics (HEDP) and NIF in the Stockpile Stewardship Program (SSP). The principal finding of this study is that a vital HEDP Program is an essential component of the SSP. Based on this finding, the Office of Defense Programs (DP) recommends the continuation of the baseline HEDP Program, including 192-beam NIF, with the goal of achieving ignition. Section 3.4.6 addresses an aspect of nuclear weapons effects testing. Section 4.4 is entitled Weapons Effects. The SSP was established in response to the FY 1994 National Defense Authorization Act (P.L. 103-160, Sect. 3138), which called on the Secretary of Energy to “establish a stewardship program to ensure the preservation of the core intellectual and technical competencies of the United States in nuclear weapons.” In the absence of nuclear testing, the SSP must: 1) support a focused, multifaceted program to increase the understanding of the enduring stockpile; 2) predict, detect, and evaluate potential problems due to the aging of the stockpile; 3) refurbish and remanufacture weapons and components, as required; and 4) maintain the science and engineering institutions needed to support the nation’s nuclear deterrent, now and in the future. The principal outcomes of the SSP are confidence in safety, security, and reliability of U.S. nuclear weapons and a cadre of nuclear-skilled personnel, underpinning nuclear deterrence. The NNSA national laboratories agree that a strong and diverse HEDP Program is an essential component of the SSP. An excellent understanding of high-energy-density physics is required to understand the operation of nuclear weapons. The fundamental requirements for the baseline HEDP Program are driven by meeting the needs of the stockpile and by a commitment to related, broader national scientific
interests. Based on these requirements, the HEDP Program has developed a set of strategic goals in the following areas: weapons physics, ignition, high yield, radiation effects, basic science, and supporting technologies. To determine if the HEDP Program is
properly optimized to meet the needs of DP’s mission, DP invited senior members of the defense and scientific communities to examine high-energy-density activities conducted throughout the SSP. These study panel members were asked specifically to assess the role of high-energy-density physics within the SSP, and to examine the facilities and program elements within the HEDP Program to assure that the goals of the SSP are met in the near and long term. Two areas that were not included directly in this study were HEDP activities within the Advanced Simulation and Computing Campaign and the cost considerations associated with developing and operating the necessary experimental, computational, manufacturing, and production capabilities required for the SSP. Condition: Very good.
Keywords: High-Energy-Density Physics, HEDP, Stockpile Stewardship, Annual Assessment, Stockpile Certification, Weapons Physics, Weapons Effects Testing, NIF, Ignition Facility, Weapons-related Phenomena
[Book #80996]
Price: $150.00