LASNEX
01 Definition
04 Deep_Dive_Intelligence
Overview
LASNEX is a 2D radiation-hydrodynamics code developed at LLNL for laser fusion (ICF) simulations. LASNEX is one of the primary simulation tools for the National Ignition Facility (NIF) and has been used for decades of ICF research.
Dual-Use Application
LASNEX is one of the seven dual-use technologies:
- Fusion application: LASNEX has been used for PJMIF (Plasma-Jet-Driven Magneto-Inertial Fusion) simulations.
- Weapons application: LASNEX is used for weapons-related ICF work at NIF, which is a major component of the Stockpile Stewardship Program.
LASNEX exemplifies the dual-use nature of ICF simulation codes — the same code that simulates fusion energy also simulates weapons physics.
06 Related_Terms (2)
07 Related_Entities (6)
08 Timeline_Mentions (10)
Kenneth Arnold (June 24, 1947): nine objects over Mt. Rainier, coined 'flying saucer,' started modern UFO era, led to Operation Sign
Private pilot. Nine objects. 1,200+ mph (supersonic pre-sound barrier). No tails. 'Like Chinese kite.' Coined 'flying saucer' (reporter misquote). Nationwide wave by July 4. Led to Operation Sign → Gr
uap-researchChristofilos conceives strong-focusing principle for accelerators
Patented 1950. Rediscovered by Brookhaven 1952. Revolutionized accelerators. Weapons application proposed by Wilson.
defense-programsDiscovery of FRC Anomalous Stability
Experiments at LANL discover that Field-Reversed Configurations (FRCs) are significantly more stable than predicted by MHD theory.
fusion-physicsBEAR rocket test — first neutral particle beam accelerator in space
SDIO/LANL. First NPB in space. Successful. Space-based weapons feasible.
defense-programsCompact Torus Accelerator (CTA) Development
C.W. Hartman and team at LLNL present the CTA concept, using Spheromak-type rings as high-efficiency ICF drivers.
fusion-physicsMARAUDER (August 1993): USAF compact toroid weapon, 100 billion g acceleration, Shiva Star, went dark mid-1990s
USAF Phillips Lab compact toroid weapon. 100 billion g acceleration. 9.5 MJ Shiva Star. 'Not a fusion program' — weapons. Physics identical to FRC. Went dark mid-1990s. Lineage: SHIVA I → MARAUDER → F
uap-researchMACH2 Explosive Model Developed
John J. Watrous and Michael H. Frese of NumerEx develop a dynamic explosive model for the MACH2 code to simulate explosive magnetic flux compression generators for LANL.
fusion-physicsAvramenko plasmoid weapon (April 1995): Russian plasma ABM tested, Ogonek/Belitsky DTIC document, 'Doverie' experiment proposed
Russian plasma weapon tested. Phased arrays focus 10 MW at 50 km altitude. Projectile deflected and self-destructed in tests. Yeltsin proposed joint US-Russia 'Doverie' experiment ($300M). Boris Belit
uap-researchClandestine FRC Breakthrough
Lockheed Martin Skunk Works is assessed to have achieved a significant technological breakthrough in FRC plasma physics.
historical-contextAssessed Skunk Works Breakthrough
Intelligence assessment suggests a significant breakthrough in the clandestine FRC program at Skunk Works, necessitating strategic misdirection.
defense-programs09 FAQ
What is LASNEX? ▾
How does LASNEX relate to other concepts? ▾
When did LASNEX appear in the research timeline? ▾
Which entities are associated with LASNEX? ▾
Is there a detailed dossier for LASNEX? ▾
Quick_Facts
- Category
- Technology
- Aliases
- LASNEX, lasnex, LASNEX Code
- Sources
- 2
- Related Terms
- 2
- Graph Entities
- 6
- Timeline Events
- 10