Computational Simulations are being used at unprecedented levels to support our nuclear weapon programs. In FY14, Sandia’s Sierra Suite had approximately 300 users, 1.6 million runs, and 2 million CPU-days on Sandia machines. These simulations spanned thermal and thermal-mechanical problems, captive-carry aero-structural, mechanical drops and impacts, and fuzing applications. Complex phenomena are part of the simulations, including organic foam decomposition, material fracture and fragmentation, large deformations, nonlinear material response, and coupled multi-physics. Successes include simulations related to the B61-12 and W88 programs. (1500) NW [NW]

Centers 1500 and 2100 partnered to complete a wind tunnel test series on a full-scale mock unit representing the aerodynamic characteristics of the B61-12 gravity bomb. The testing took place at US Air Force’s Arnold Engineering Development Center in Tennessee, which has the nation’s largest wind tunnel capable of the required air speeds. The tests established the configuration that will deliver the necessary spin motion of the bomb during freefall and mark an important milestone in the B61 Life Extension Program. (1500, 2100) NW [NW]