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Modeling the high density, high temperature plasmas produced by intense laser or particle beams requires accurate simulation of a large range of plasma collisionality. Current simulation algorithms accurately and efficiently model collisionless and collision-dominated plasmas. The important parameter regime between these extremes, semi-collisional plasmas, has been inadequately addressed to date. LLNL efforts to understand and harness high energy-density physics phenomena for stockpile stewardship require accurate simulation of such plasmas. We have made significant progress towards our goal: building a new modeling capability to accurately simulate the full range of collisional plasma physics phenomena. Our project has developed a computer model using a two-pronged approach that involves a new adaptive-resolution, ''smart'' particle-in-cell algorithm: complex particle kinetics (CPK); and developing a robust 3D massively parallel plasma production code Z3 with collisional extensions. Our new CPK algorithms expand the function of point particles in traditional plasma PIC models by including finite size and internal dynamics. This project has enhanced LLNL's competency in computational plasma physics and contributed to LLNL's expertise and forefront position in plasma modeling. The computational models developed will be applied to plasma problems of interest to LLNL's stockpile stewardship mission. Such problems include semi-collisional behavior in hohlraums, high-energy-density physics experiments, more » and the physics of high altitude nuclear explosions (HANE). Over the course of this LDRD project, the world's largest fully electromagnetic PIC calculation was run, enabled by the adaptation of Z3 to the Advanced Simulation and Computing (ASCI) White system. This milestone calculation simulated an entire laser illumination speckle, brought new realism to laser-plasma interaction simulations, and was directly applicable to laser target physics. For the first time, magnetic fields driven by Raman scatter have been observed. Also, Raman rescatter was observed in 2D. This code and its increased suite of dedicated diagnostics are now playing a key role in studies of short-pulse, high-intensity laser matter interactions. In addition, a momentum-conserving electron collision algorithm was incorporated into Z3. Finally, Z3's portability across diverse MPP platforms enabled it to serve the LLNL computing community as a tool for effectively utilizing new machines. « less |
