New Features in Nuclear Diagnostic Modeling Using HYDRA
POSTER
Abstract
New methods in HYDRA have been developed to allow more accurate and flexible modeling of nuclear reactions with a focus on measurements at the National Ignition Facility. Two developments are highlighted: radiochemistry and compound nuclei. Low probability nuclear reactions in an ICF capsule are best simulated using radiochemistry techniques. HYDRA now has both an inline and a post-processing capability, which uses the new code KUDU. Calculation of the 4.4 MeV $^{12}$C(n,$\gamma$n$^{\prime}$) $\gamma$ is shown to be greatly improved relative to an analog Monte Carlo calculation. This $\gamma$ measured along with the T(D,$\gamma$n) $\gamma$ in an ICF implosion provides a measurement of mix, areal density, and timing. HYDRA now also provides a facility to define the properties of a compound nucleus in a thermonuclear reaction. By using this new capability and recently measured $\gamma$ and neutron spectra to inform the $^{5}$He state, the simulation of T(D,n$\gamma$) and TT fusion reactions that share the intermediate $^{5}$He state has been significantly improved.
*This work (LLNL-ABS-640612) performed under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Energy by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory under Contract DE-AC52-07NA27344.