SBIR-STTR Award

Industry needs a high-fidelity propulsion modeling and simulation capability for Insensitive Munitions (IM) hazard analysis in order to quantify the trade space for performance vs. safety. Full-scale testing of large propulsion systems (greater than 20 inch diameter) is too costly and more importantly, not practical due to lack of sufficiently large instrumented test facilities. Currently DoD/OUSD (AT&L) undertook a Weapons and Munitions M&S initiative as a portion of their Systems Acquisition Portfolio for Land Warfare and Munitions (LW&M), which will result in an initial capability during FY 08-10. This STTR proposal will provide a parallel, multivariate user interface/data organization structure including appropriate testing protocols to enable industry to integrate the government M&S capability into their programs and technology bases. The primary focus will the development/growth of engineering models/codes to address primarily impact hazards from fragments and bullets. The secondary focus in later years will be on thermal hazards. The proposed interface/data organization structure will connect IM-related applications and industry technology bases to the government M&S toolset capabilities and growth plans in the functional domains of physics, numerics, databases and validation methods. It will include linkages to the LW&M initiative's resources, venues and policy/control points.

Keywords:
Insensitive Munitions, Modeling And Simulation, Propulsion, Bullet And Fragment Impact, Multivariate Data Structure, Testing Protocols

A multivariate interface/data structure for insensitive munitions (IM) applications, technology and hazards/effects analysis can facilitate transition of propulsion modeling and simulation (M&S) capability. Expected benefits are reduced testing and overall acquisition cost and increased safety margins. Use of M&S can provide knowledge points not achievable with limited pass-fail testing. During Phase I, the M&S toolset for system mitigation of IM hazards was assessed to be ready for expedited transition. The Phase II effort will study bullet/fragment impact protection during transport, as well as mitigation of thermal effects on a propulsion stack from jet fuel fires in the launching system. The intended products are additions to the multivariate knowledge base including mitigation technology and the separately funded transition of a test-validated propulsion mitigation M&S analysis toolset in order to reduce overall cost of a specific missile acquisition program.

Keywords:
Insensitive Munitions, Modeling And Simulation, Rocket Motor Propulsion, Safety Hazards, Bullet Impa