The need to identify the kinetic energy transferred by warhead fragments is critical to weapon effectiveness analysis. Moreover, it is necessary to identify the spatial distribution of the energy to establish the likelihood of impact. Current warhead fragment measurement techniques employ a "bundle" particle capture mechanism for spatial distribution and mass measurement, and a totally separate velocity gate screen technique to determine velocity. These methods are incapable of simultaneously measuring velocity, trajectory, and mass of the same fragment. They also suffer from other limitations that limit the usefulness of the data obtained. This project evaluates the feasibility of using advanced Doppler based radar processing techniques in combination with the "bundle" technique for capturing fragments to uniquely identify the velocity, trajectory, and mass of warhead fragments. A contractor furnished radar system will be integrated with the government Vulnerability and Lethality Testing System (VALTS) located in Eglin, FL to obtain test data. This data will then be analyzed to establish processing technique resolution capabilities at the frequency of the contractor furnished radar. The results of this analysis will then be used to develop specifications for a Phase II SBIR fragment tracking demonstration system.
Keywords: Doppler Radar Fragment Dispersion VALTS Vector Miss Distance Warhead Testing
