Course on Academic Models in Inertial Confinement
Online course of 300 h in Academic Models in Inertial Confinement. 6 modules covering ASME V&V 20 (verification and validation in computational modelling), ANSI/ANS-10.4 (verification and validation of scientific software in nuclear applications) and FLASH (radiation hydrodynamics code). Dedicated tutor and enrolment open.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this programme. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Explain the physical fundamentals of inertial confinement fusion and the ignition criterion.
Compare direct and indirect drive schemes from an academic perspective.
Describe the hydrodynamic instabilities that limit implosion symmetry.
Build simplified implosion models with numerical computing tools.
Analyse the capabilities and limitations of academic simulation codes.
Interpret results from published experimental diagnostics.
Develop an academic implosion modelling project with uncertainty analysis.
Who it's for
- Inertial confinement fusion researcher looking to specialise in Academic Models in Inertial Confinement.
- Computational plasma physicist looking to specialise in Academic Models in Inertial Confinement.
- High-energy laser systems engineer looking to specialise in Academic Models in Inertial Confinement.
- Experimental diagnostics analyst looking to specialise in Academic Models in Inertial Confinement.
- High energy density physics researcher looking to specialise in Academic Models in Inertial Confinement.
- Scientific simulation code developer looking to specialise in Academic Models in Inertial Confinement.
- Engineering or science graduates looking to move into fusion research.
What you'll work with
- ASME V&V 20 (verification and validation in computational modelling)
- ANSI/ANS-10.4 (verification and validation of scientific software in nuclear applications)
- IEC 60825-1 (safety of laser products)
- ANSI Z136.1 (safe use of lasers)
- DOE O 414.1D (quality assurance)
- JCGM 100 (Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement, GUM)
6 modules · 300 h
1.1The Lawson criterion and the ρR parameter1.2Ignition and fuel burn1.3Target gain and system gain1.4Compressible hydrodynamics1.5Equation of state of warm dense matter1.6Opacities and radiative transport1.7Inertial confinement time1.8Comparison with magnetic fusion1.9Milestones: NIF and the 2022 ignition1.10Practice: estimating the ρR needed for ignition
2.1Laser direct drive2.2Indirect drive with a hohlraum2.3Laser absorption by inverse bremsstrahlung2.4Thermal conduction and ablation2.5The rocket model of ablation2.6Illumination symmetry2.7Heavy-ion drive2.8Z-pinch and MagLIF2.9Fast ignition and shock ignition2.10Workshop: the ablation rocket model in Python
3.1Spherical implosion dynamics3.2Shocks and adiabatic compression3.3Adiabat and pulse shaping3.4Rayleigh-Taylor instability3.5Richtmyer-Meshkov instability3.6Mix and hot-spot degradation3.7Low-mode asymmetries3.8Laser-plasma interaction instabilities3.9Preheat by suprathermal electrons3.10Lab: linear Rayleigh-Taylor growth
4.1Radiation-hydrodynamics codes4.2The academic codes MULTI and FLASH4.31D, 2D and 3D simulations4.4Non-local electron transport4.5Laser ray tracing4.6Thermonuclear burn models4.7Machine learning surrogate models4.8Validation with NIF and OMEGA data4.9Limitations and sources of error4.10Lab: 1D implosion with an open-source code
5.1Neutron yield and spectra5.2X-ray and neutron imaging5.3Implosion velocity diagnostics5.4The NIF, OMEGA, LMJ and Orion facilities5.5HiPER and European projects5.6Private inertial fusion initiatives5.7Power plant concepts and reaction chambers5.8Cryogenic target fabrication5.9High-repetition-rate lasers5.10Case study: analysis of a published NIF experiment
6.1Defining the drive scheme6.2Conceptual capsule design6.3Formulating the physical model6.4One-dimensional simulation6.5Hydrodynamic stability analysis6.6Gain estimate6.7Comparison with published results6.8Conclusions and model limitations6.9Report and presentation6.10Final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable materials, recorded classes and a dedicated technical tutor. No fixed timetable: students progress at their own pace within the intake period, making it easy to combine with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standards and applied exercises. The software used is FLASH (radiative hydrodynamics code), Python (NumPy, SciPy), MATLAB, ParaView, VisIt, in free, academic or trial versions. Testing is studied through real procedures, one-dimensional implosion models, analysis of published experimental data and comparison of results between academic codes. Assessment is continuous for each module, plus a final capstone project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Explain the physical fundamentals of inertial confinement fusion and the ignition criterion.
Compare direct and indirect drive schemes from an academic perspective.
Describe the hydrodynamic instabilities that limit implosion symmetry.
Build simplified implosion models with numerical computing tools.
Analyse the capabilities and limitations of academic simulation codes.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No previous qualification is required.
- An internet connection and a computer able to run the programme software.
- A level of English sufficient to read technical standards.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme totals 300 hours spread over 3 to 5 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with a full-time job.
You will work with FLASH (radiative hydrodynamics code), Python (NumPy, SciPy), MATLAB, ParaView, VisIt. Free, academic or trial versions are used, and your tutor will point out a free alternative where one exists.
A SEIUM Institute diploma, awarded on passing the continuous assessment and the capstone project. It is SEIUM's own qualification, not an official state-accredited degree.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are recognised in the higher programme. Check the credit recognition policy when you enrol.
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