Weapons Physics

About ADWP

Using the most advanced experimental methods and high-performance computing simulation, scientists  in the Laboratory's Associate Directorate for Weapons Physics (ADWP) develop and refine Los Alamos' ability to assess and sustain the nation's weapons capabilities through a more-fundamental understanding of physics and high-energy chemistry parameters and performance. With respect to the nuclear weapons stockpile, this mission is described as "stockpile stewardship."

Encompassing the Applied Physics (X), Dynamic Experimentation (DE) and Hydrodynamic Experiments (HX) Divisions, ADWP is part of the Weapons Program Directorate (PADWP). It works closely with Weapons Engineering (ADWE) and Stockpile Manufacturing and Support (ADSMS), the other PADWP associate directorates. ADWP also works with scientists across the Laboratory who are studying materials science, chemistry, physics, and theoretical approaches.