NSC has developed a number of decision support tools, focussed on a variety of complex scientific problems, including:

• the design of future components.
• safety assurance in processing hazardous materials.
• instrumentation investment decisions.

All of these tools employ complex mathematical modelling techniques, accurately describing the behaviour of the physical systems in terms of mathematical equations that are subsequently translated into intuitive, user-friendly software applications.

With the support of these applications, AWE scientists have been able to gain greater understanding of the complex systems modelled - how they behave and how they may be controlled - through the ability to rapidly examine a number of ‘what if’ scenarios. This has included the investigation of scenarios that would otherwise require considerable manpower to analyse or be too dangerous to contemplate running in reality. The outputs of these tools have been used to improve the efficiency of processes, reduce production costs and justify future expenditure.

NSC has supported all aspects of the product development lifecycle and provides ongoing support by way of product enhancement and consultancy including the application of these tools to the problem domain.