Lightweight Layered Protection Systems for Missile Launchers and Canisters

The research objective is to develop Modeling and Simulation (M & S) tools to accurately predict the performance of new state-of-the-art material systems as protection for high value missiles deployed in their launchers or canisters. The focus is on adapting multi-layered novel and non-traditional material technologies to improve protection against penetration and fragment impacts, focused detonation hazards and fires (slow and fast heating coupled with penetration). Predictive M & S and underlying damage and ignition response assessment capabilities will be used to: characterize trade-offs in layered material penetration and thermal resistance; predict the degree and extent of damage from penetration threat and predict altered heat transfer paths and thermal response of a layered protection system; and quantify the uncertainty related to the protection system with respect to avoiding violent reaction. M & S-based methodology for design of lightweight layered protection systems will benefit sea- and land-based high value missile systems facing ballistic and fragment impacts and focused detonation hazards during operational use or transportation in hostile environments. The methodology can be tailored to specific customer needs and validated via sectional testing of lightweight layered protection prototypes.