X Theoretical Design (XTD) Division

The X Theoretical Design (XTD) Division of Los Alamos National Laboratory is the premier national resource for information, expertise, and solutions involving all aspects of nuclear weapons physics and related national security issues. X Division has a lead role in assessing the safety and reliability of the enduring nuclear stockpile. We also contribute to analyses of emerging proliferation threats and develop response options.

The Division's core technical activities lie in the areas of computational modeling and simulation, and physics model development, of complex problems requiring the coupling of multiple physical processes. To improve our models, we design, help field, and analyze laboratory experiments in extreme physical regimes. Our computer codes are validated against an extensive database of results from previous nuclear tests and other relevant experimental phenomena. Most work is accomplished in multidisciplinary teams.

X Division technical staff interact extensively with the Department of Energy/National Nuclear Security Administration (DOE/NNSA), the Department of Defense (DoD), the intelligence community, other DOE laboratories including Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) and Sandia National Laboratory (SNL), as well as the United Kingdom Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE). The staff provides expert advice to U.S. government agencies in support of treaty negotiations and foreign intractions, and operational support in response to nuclear emergencies. Our activities also include analyzing emerging proliferation threats and developing response options, and providing expertise in related, nondefense research programs.

updated 05/24/2011