Modeling of Complex Endo-atmospheric Wakes

Threat signature phenomenology plays an important role in the development of missile defense technologies, both at tactical and strategic levels. However, threats from non-traditional, non-symmetric reentry systems, even spent boosters and flight hardware, have become more acute. Such non-traditional, three-dimensional (3D) systems at high dynamic pressure, high angle of attack often have limited, optically dim (or even no) propulsion systems so ablation, ionization, wake flows, etc., play a more crucial role to the overall signature phenomenology. The current generation of modeling and simulation (M&S) tools contain advanced capabilities for these features but are largely based on axisymmetric assumptions to facilitate rapid computational throughput resulting in the breakdown of predictive capabilities for 3D threats. This effort proposes to enhance these tools by injecting high-fidelity, 3D simulation results within the existing M&S pipeline, such as the Optical Signatures Code, to compensate for axisymmetric deficiencies without adversely affecting the overall computational throughput. Using an innovative and adaptive database technology, fed by judiciously selected high-fidelity 3D simulations performed offline, inputs (angle of attack, geometry, flight conditions) are correlated to outputs (total intensity, station radiation, flowfield conditions) virtually instantaneously. Hence, much needed improvements are obtained while maintaining the historical president of the current M&S tools. Approved for Public Release | 16-MDA-8917 (15 November 16)