Charles W. Nakhleh
Introduction
Charlie Nakhleh is the Associate Laboratory Director for Weapons Physics (ALDX), directing the experimental, theoretical, and high-performance computing efforts necessary to assess and certify the U.S. nuclear stockpile. His responsibilities include ensuring an innovative and scientifically sound approach to stockpile assessment and modernization.
Background
A nationally recognized leader in weapons physics, Nakhleh has guided LANL efforts that include improved understanding of underground test data, the development and implementation of modern high-fidelity simulations, and large-scale experiments. Previously he was the X-Theoretical (XTD) Division Leader, where he oversaw design and assessment activities, and later served as executive officer to the Deputy Director for Weapons. His leadership emphasizes developing innovative approaches to challenging problems, improving the laboratory’s predictive science capabilities, and developing and sustaining scientific talent. Nakhleh has also led inertial confinement fusion target design at Sandia’s Z Facility and contributed broadly to uncertainty quantification and weapons physics issues. At LANL, his organization is responsible for weapons physics and design, the development of multi-physics simulation software, and the design and execution of dynamic experiments at a variety of firing sites as well as the flagship Dual-Axis Radiographic Hydrodynamic Test (DARHT) facility. This integrated effort is key to ensuring the robust physics understanding necessary to inform life-extension and modernization programs. He communicates the role of physics in national security and fosters collaborations across the enterprise and academia.
Education
- Ph.D., Physics — Cornell University
Area Managed
ALDX stewards foundational scientific capabilities in weapons physics and design, dynamic experimentation, multiphysics computational simulation, and national security information archiving, management, and curation activities. The directorate manages NNSA’s Research, Development, Testing & Engineering (RDT&E) portfolio, which is comprised of a large set of programs spanning the Office of Experimental Sciences (OES), Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF), Advanced Simulation and Computing (ASC), and Office of Engineering Technology & Maturation (ETM).