Next Generation Static Warhead Testing (NG-SWaT)

ABSTRACT: Skyward, Ltd. proposes to utilize their years of experience in developing test data requirements and methods for meeting these requirements to identify and develop enhanced methods, techniques, and sensors to characterize and model the effects of a warhead as it detonates. The proposed method for designing and developing an innovative instrumentation suite, diagnostic techniques, and methodologies to quantify synergistic blast and/or fragment effects from a static detonation will utilize Skyward"s understanding of user needs and will involve an investigation of promising techniques for meeting these needs. Skyward"s methodology will take advantage of expertise in munitions modeling and simulation to develop requirements and a process for representing the important parameters of the blast/fragmentation event so they can be examined for other similar weapons and used in lethality estimates. Skyward"s approach divides the problem into key areas and focuses research on those areas that show the most short-term and affordable potential and will address unique damage mechanisms that have not been previously addressed. The result will be a recommendation for a robust and cost-effective instrumentation suite with a workable implementation plan for developing the suite, the supporting model approach, and update plan for tools currently used to guide such testing. BENEFIT: The goal of Skyward, Ltd. in this proposal is to design and develop a robust and cost-effective instrumentation suite and data collection/analysis process for characterizing warheads as they detonate. Utilizing this test design, along with a complimentary modeling approach also developed in this program, will enable the warfighter to examine and modify munitions to optimize lethality for our weapons and examine vulnerability reduction concepts to counter foreign weapon systems. The resulting system should also be useful in evaluating many hazards in commercial industry or terrorist acts for homeland defense, where explosives are involved.