Physical Sciences Condensed Matter and High Pressure Physics (H Division)


			MISSION H-Division combines unique experimental and theoretical capabilities to create a world-class center for research in condensed matter physics and materials science. We place special emphasis on materials properties and behavior at high pressures and in other extreme environments. RESEARCH AREAS EOS & Materials Theory The EOS & Materials Theory Group in H Division performs theoretical and computational condensed-matter and materials physics research in support of major Department of Energy and LLNL programs. This research includes fundamental quantum, atomistic and multiscale modeling and simulation of materials properties over wide ranges of temperature and pressure and can extend from bulk solids and liquids to defects, surfaces and interfaces to nanostructures. > More About EOS & Theory Research Kinetics of High Explosives High explosives (HE) are normally sensitive to heat, impact, and other external variables. Insensitive high explosives (IHE) have been developed to significantly improve the safety and reliability of weapon systems in case of an accident or an encounter under a hostile environment. The Kinetics of High Explosives Project will provide the predictive material models and physical data to address such a situation. > More About High Explosives Research Shock Physics We use large guns in the Shock Physics Group to generate very high pressures. The guns accelerate a projectile (bullet) to velocities up to 8 km/s, or about 18000 mph. When these projectiles hit a sample in our target chamber, a shock wave is produced in the sample. These shock waves produce very great pressures, up to 700 GPa (7 Mbar = 7 million times atmospheric pressure, or roughly 100 million psi) and also produces temperatures of up to 15000 K while increasing the density many fold. Under these extraordinary conditions, we can observe remarkable changes in the physical properties and chemistry of liquids and solids. > More About Shock Physics Research High Pressure Physics The research of the High Pressure Physics Group focuses on scientific challenges in condensed matter under extreme conditions of pressure and temperature, synthesis and characterization of novel materials, and utilizes state-of-the-art experimental facilities and technologies such as third-generation synchrotron sources and laser spectroscopic technologies. >More About High Pressure Physics Research Materials Data The H-Division Materials Data Group is responsible for delivering equation of state (EOS) data to the hydrodynamic code groups at LLNL. The Stockpile Stewardship Program has created a demand for accurate, wide-range EOS data for a long list of materials, including metals, salts, plastics, gases, rocks, and explosives. The data group maintains both EOS physics codes as well as data libraries and library access codes. We continually collect experimental data on materials of interest to LLNL programs as well as ideas for improved EOS models. > More About Materials Data Research Quantum Simulations The Quantum Simulations Group develops and uses state-of-the-art quantum simulation tools to predict new materials with target properties (e.g., novel nanostructures) and to investigate states of matter difficult to access experimentally (e.g., dynamical and extreme conditions). > More About Quantum Simulations Research OUR STAFF > H Division Organization H Division Leader: Bob Cauble Robert C. Cauble received his B.S. in physics in 1974 from the University of Arizona and his Ph.D. in nuclear engineering from the University of Michigan in 1980. Cauble worked at the Naval Research Laboratory on theoretical predictions of the effects of high-density plasma on atomic transitions and particle transport. He came to LLNL in 1985 to work on projects to produce atomic models for plasma simulations and to design and analyze experiments to use laboratory x-ray lasers as high-density-plasma probes and interferometers. More recently, he has worked on large-scale simulations and designs of experiments to elicit material properties, mainly equation-of-state data at extreme pressures using intense, laser-driven shocks. Email:cauble@llnl.gov Phone: 925-422-4724 Fax: 925-423-2451 Mailing Address: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory MS L-041, Livermore, CA 94550 CONTACT US Division Leader Bob Cauble cauble@llnl.gov (925) 422-4724 Administrative Ileana Dobie idobie@llnl.gov (925) 422-9176