Towards designing high-energy-density physics experiments for model validation

HEDP experiments can be designed for three purposes: scientific discovery, model development, and validation. HEDP validation experiments are the least common and, too often, inadequately characterized for model validation. Reasons include:

1. Misunderstanding model uses, assumptions, inputs, and outputs.
2. Inability to isolate single physics from nonlinear coupling of multiphysics.
3. Failure to measure or resolve validation quantities of interest (QoI) with available diagnostics.
4. Deficient characterization of experimental uncertainties on model inputs and outputs due to statistical variability, systematic errors, or processing inference errors.

We suggest, with conscientious design and enhanced cooperation between experimentalists and model developers, current HEDP experiments can also realize validation requirements. Six validation experiment design requirements from Oberkampf and Roy [1] are presented; special considerations for HEDP experiments regarding these requirements are discussed using examples.

1. Oberkampf, William L., and Christopher J. Roy. Verification and validation in scientific computing. Cambridge University Press, 2010.