Weapons Effects FRMs for Contact or Embedded Detonations in Fixed Targets

ABSTRACT: This is a nine-month SBIR Phase I project titled"Weapons Effects FRMs for Contact or Embedded detonations in Fixed Targets."The stated objective of this solicitation topic is to develop innovative High-Fidelity Physics-Based (HFPB) Fast-Running Models (FRMs) for simulating the effects of weapons detonated on contact or embedded in fixed target structural materials. We propose to demonstrate the feasibility of simulating small munitions impact penetrating and exploding inside several urban wall types using high fidelity physics based tools. We also propose to demonstrate prototype FRMs for stochastic debris cloud models resulting from these events for a limited parameter space. BENEFIT: In recent years, the US military finds itself more involved in urban warfare. In urban warfare or MOUT (Military Operations in Urban Terrain), armed forces have to exhibit caution so that their actions will not harm civilians and friendly forces in the area. These precautions exclude the use of large weapons and therefore the military is extremely interested in the use of more precise small weapons. These small weapons are often used to breach urban walls and can be inert projectiles or explosive projectiles (cased weapons) that a) detonate upon impact or b) set for a delayed detonation during partial penetration in order to maximize damage. The physics of the inert or explosive impacts and the resulting breakup and debris generation of these munitions are very complex. Therefore, there is a need to develop validated small munitions models capable of determining the consequences of their use in order to assist military planners and soldiers in the field. This Phase I project will result in (a) improved HFPB (High Fidelity Physics Based) tools for simulating these applications, (b) prototype global FRMs for stochastic debris source models for RC and brick walls, (c) prototype FRM for blast energy behind the target wall, and (d) Phase II plan to develop FRMs that can predict hole size, shape, and stochastic debris cloud due to small munitions impact penetrating and exploding in urban walls.