New simulation capabilities in HYDRA*

A new model for nonlocal electron transport that includes magnetic field effects has been implemented in HYDRA. This allows for more accurate simulations of nonlocal electron transport in ICF targets, particularly in the presence of self-generated or pre-imposed magnetic fields.¹ We show results for nonlocal test problems obtained from the model give good agreement with calculations using electron Vlasov Fokker-Planck codes. Simulation results for ICF targets using the method are compared with existing approaches. HYDRA has been ported to make use of Livermore’s El Capitan exascale computer. This enables target simulations, such as 3D integrated hohlraums, to be completed in a fraction of the time required on other machines, and to be run at higher resolution. We also discuss a new Arbitrary Lagrange Eulerian mesh motion algorithm that enable these simulations to be carried out with an unprecedented degree of robustness.

1. C. Arran et. al, Phys. Plasmas 32, 043908 (2025); M. Holec et. al, Phys. Plasmas 25, 032704 (2018)