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 numerical 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 and test our computer codes against an extensive database of results from previous nuclear tests.
Most work is accomplished in multidisciplinary teams.
The staff also provides expert advice to government agencies in support of treaty negotiations and foreign intractions, and operational support in response to nuclear emergencies.