Simulation Modeling Sciences department 1543 enables credible design and analysis involving computational simulation and finite element method approaches for meshing, topology optimization, inverse optimization, metamaterials, and high performance computing I/O. We are part of Sandia’s CompSim organization 1540, teaming with others developing Solid Mechanics, Structural Dynamics, Thermal Fluids, V&V, uncertainty quantification, workflow, analyst interfaces, as well as DevOps support. Users rely upon these codes for the Sandia’s Nuclear Deterrence mission, various other missions of the Laboratory, DoD, and industry partners. We team with other research programs at Sandia and sponsor research and development of critical modeling science applications within Sandia and at partner university programs. We help coordinate and engage the International Meshing Roundtable and Topology Optimization Roundtable.
Our software tools, including the following, are intended to be used on high performance next generation computing platforms.
- PLATO provides intelligent design to the Additive Manufacturing (AM) process. PLATO inverts traditional design approach by creating a computer-optimized structure rather than validating a conceptual CAD-CAM design, optimizing structures and materials over a wide range of parameters and environments.
- FuSED (Fusion of Simulation, Experiments, and Data) tools work at the nexus of experimental measurement, test, and design, enabling inverse reconstruction of unknown quantities such as sources and material properties, as well as optimal design of experiments. FuSED tools help to design experiments to gather data and infer information through the solution of inverse problems that is not directly observable, thus enabling designs that matches a desired system behavior.
- Next Generation Simulation (NGS), including the Cubit tool known for its hexahedral meshing, enables many types of Finite Element Method (FEM) discretization for computational simulation by providing meshing of CAD geometries, now including many advancements in tetrahedral meshing.
- Scaleable Geometric Modeler (SGM), a tool intended to create and explore geometries and also translate geometric representation between computer aided design and facets or finite elements. Our Geometry and Meshing team works at the nexus of engineering, mathematics, physics, numerical methods, and software engineering on many leading-edge NGS efforts.
- Our SEACAS tool, including Exodus and IOSS libraries, provides high-performance I/O for finite element applications. SEACAS encompasses both production support and HPC research through ECP and ATDM programs and is used at Sandia, several other National Laboratories, commercial companies, and universities.