Materials Science Division

Reaction Dynamics Group

We couple modeling and experimental efforts to understand and predict the properties of complex materials under extreme conditions.

Our work supports energetic materials research at LLNL and informs stockpile stewardship activities.

Research areas

Energy burst

Computational chemistry

Developing powerful computational tools that enable us to model and predict the complexities of high explosives at a fundamental physics and chemistry level

Simulation of a deflagration to a detonation (DDT) response.

Mechanical hazards

Using models to develop and improve high-throughput, small-scale tests with novel diagnostics to acquire higher fidelity data and better understand high explosive behavior

Temperature profile showing hot spot formation in TATB.

Multiscale modeling

Delivering new modeling methods, discovering insights into material physics, and building next-generation material models to help solve complex engineering problems of national interest

A simulation showing the local flame propagation speed in a gasoline combustion engine.

Thermal hazards and combustion

Developing tools and models to predict thermal hazard conditions, develop risk mitigation plans, and assess combustion technologies

Team leadership

Springer, H. Keo
Kuo, William
Maiti, Amitesh
Wagnon, Scott William
White, Bradley W.