Wootton Center for Astrophysical Plasma Properties

Stored: Wootton Center for Astrophysical Plasma Properties

Wootton Center for Astrophysical Plasma Properties

Type	Program
Sponsor Organization	University of Texas at Austin
Top Organization	Department of Energy
Creation Legislation	Not specified; part of broader research initiatives
Website	Website
Purpose	WCAPP studies plasma physics under extreme conditions for astrophysics, linking experiments to stellar and black hole insights, aiding NNSA stewardship.
Program Start	2009
Initial Funding	Not specified; funded through NNSA SSAA grants
Duration	Ongoing
Historic	No

The The Wootton Center for Astrophysical Plasma Properties (WCAPP) at UT Austin explores the atomic and radiation physics of plasmas under extreme conditions, providing insights into astrophysical phenomena like stellar interiors, white dwarfs, neutron stars, and black hole accretion disks. By leveraging experiments at facilities like Sandia National Laboratories' Z facility, WCAPP connects terrestrial lab experiments with cosmic observations, advancing both astrophysics and the National Nuclear Security Administration's stockpile stewardship mission.

Official Site

Goals

• Bridge laboratory experiments with astrophysical observations to understand plasma properties under extreme conditions.
• Provide experimental data to test and refine astrophysical models.
• Train the next generation of scientists in high-energy-density physics relevant to astrophysics and national security.
• Enhance collaboration between universities, national labs, and NASA for advancing science in extreme physics.

Organization

WCAPP is led by Professor Don Winget from the Department of Astronomy at UT Austin. The center operates with a collaborative model involving researchers from UT Austin, Sandia National Laboratories, and other universities. Funding comes primarily from the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) through the Stewardship Science Academic Alliances (SSAA) program, supporting research, student training, and experimental work.

Partners

• University of Texas at Austin
• Sandia National Laboratories
• University of Nevada, Reno
• University of Colorado

History

WCAPP was established in 2009 as part of the NNSA's effort to maintain scientific expertise in nuclear weapons stewardship without nuclear testing. It builds on the legacy of Alan Wootton, an influential figure in plasma physics, by focusing on astrophysically relevant plasma experiments. Over time, WCAPP has expanded its scope, contributing to understanding cosmic phenomena and training scientists for future stewardship roles.

Funding

While specific initial funding figures aren't detailed, WCAPP is supported by significant grants from the NNSA, with funding cycles typically spanning several years. In 2020, WCAPP received a $6 million grant to continue its research and education efforts, bringing the total NNSA funding to $13 million at that point. This funding supports research, experimental facilities, and educational programs.

Implementation

Research at WCAPP includes experiments on the Z-machine at Sandia, theoretical modeling, and astronomical observations at McDonald Observatory. The center conducts experiments to replicate cosmic conditions in the lab, allowing for direct testing of astrophysical theories. It's an ongoing program with no set end date, focusing on continuous research and education in extreme physics.

Related

• National Nuclear Security Administration
• Stewardship Science Academic Alliances

External links

• https://sites.cns.utexas.edu/wcapp/
• No specific Wikipedia article for WCAPP; general information on UT Austin can be found at wikipedia:University of Texas at Austin

Social media

• There are no specific social media accounts for WCAPP; updates can be found through UT Austin's social media.