Implementing EPIC as Endgame Framework Module for Use in MEVA

ABSTRACT: A 9-month Phase I Small Business Innovative Research feasibility study aimed at implementing the EPIC hydrocode as an Endgame Framework (EF) module that can be used in MEVA (Modular Effectiveness / Vulnerability Assessment) and other EF-based applications is proposed.A three-tier development strategy will be employed to support a successful implementation of EPIC into MEVA, with the Phase I effort consisting of tier one and the second and third tiers being completed in Phase II.During tier one, a detailed software implementation plan complete with strategies to model the weapon and target to varying levels of fidelity will be created.Additionally, two-dimensional calculations in EPIC will be performed to demonstrate the communication flow between EPIC and EF.At the end of Phase I, a detailed integration plan for MEVA/EF, including verification and validation requirements, and a prototype meshing/discretization tool for both the target and penetrator will be provided to AFRL as Phase I deliverables.; BENEFIT: The EF architecture that this product will utilize will make for a strong commercialization potential in both the DoDs analysis and assessment/weaponeering tools.Analysis tools like MEVA that use the EF architecture are used in AoA studies, which affect all stages of the acquisition life-cycle.MEVA is therefore seeking increased accuracy to manage program costs.The JMEM Weaponeering Software (JWS), which is currently planned for transition into the EF architecture, is a weaponeering tool that needs results from response modules to be rapid, and sufficiently accurate to be used for military planning.Most of the tools employed in both MEVA and JWS, especially for penetration, use empirical tools like PENCURV that have known limitations. As computer speeds improve, the EPIC module developed under this SBIR project will become a viable alternative to PENCURV, which will increase capability to prosecute various current and emerging targets and countermeasures, with increased accuracy.We envision two stages of commercialization for this tool. The first stage of the transition/commercialization strategy we envision would be focused on completing a fully capable penetration effects capability for MEVA/EF: (1) extending the tool for a wider range of targets and weapon, and (2) performing a detailed verification and validation of the tool. This would facilitate accreditation for use in analysis tools like MEVA and even weaponeering tools like JWS. The second stage of the transition/commercialization strategy would focus on extending the capability to model penetration, blast, fragmentation, and structural response effects, using physics-based codes, all called and handled by MEVA.