Site-Directed Research and Development
Overview
Started in 2002 by Congressional authorization, the Site-Directed Research and Development (SDRD) Program is an essential element of the NNSS technical enterprise. The SDRD program is our premier science and technology venue and primary source for discovery and innovation for NNSS national security missions. Similar to the laboratory-directed research and development (LDRD) programs at the NNSA National Laboratories and production plants, SDRD enhances the technical vitality of the NNSS by addressing the following core areas:
- developing and demonstrating innovative ideas and technologies to advance new solutions to national and global security needs;
- enhancing core competencies required for current and emerging technical missions; and
- retaining and recruiting individuals with critical skills.
Proposals are solicited every year and about two dozen projects tied to principal thrust areas are funded annually. An annual report is released every April for the previous year’s projects.
Latest Annual Report Overviews
SDRD Highlights
Eric Dutra’s Zoo: The Benefits of Using the Zebra Z-pinch Device and the Leopard Laser
Ten miles outside of the University of Nevada, Reno’s (UNR’s) campus, principal investigator Eric Dutra works in a lab on his Site-Directed Research and Development (SDRD) project “Staged z-pinch and variable-energy laser ablation-driven new high-yield neutron source”.
September SDRD Highlight: “Students Shine at SDRD Intern Presentations”
As the culmination of their summer work, SDRD interns presented about their projects to an audience of their peers, mentors, managers and other SDRD staff.
Cryogenic Deuterium Pellet Injection for Enhanced Neutron Output of a Dense Plasma Focus
In his fiscal year (FY) 2024 Site-Directed Research and Development (SDRD) project “Cryogenic Deuterium Pellet Injection for Enhanced Neutron Output of a Dense Plasma Focus”, principal investigator Daniel Lowe is developing methods to increase the neutron yield of a Dense Plasma Focus (DPF) using cryogenic deuterium techniques.
NNSS Technology Wins an R&D 100 Award
Every year, R&D World holds a competition to determine the year’s top 100 innovative technologies. If you take a look at the 2024 winners (released on the R&D World website on August 8), you’ll find the NNSS on the list!
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NNSS hires a wide variety of science, technical, and engineering professionals in support of our vital mission.
