Laser Material Survivability Model

ABSTRACT: Leveraging 30 years of dedicated aircraft survivability design, test, and evaluation, SURVICE Engineering brings a system engineering approach to researching and developing an engineering level tool to predict and assess laser initiated fire for composite aircraft fuel tanks. The code will simulate all phases of laser engagement conditions, composite damage, fuel leakage, ignition, and sustainment. Existing community accepted laser damage and fire prediction code methodology will be leveraged were possible and acceptable. BENEFIT: Development of a laser initiated fire prediction tool will support development and evaluation of mitigation technologies, support for test and evaluation, and overall system vulnerability evaluations. Initial applications include DoD aircraft, ground vehicles, and ships where not only laser initiated fire is of a concern, but also fire sustainment and subsequent damage. Further commercialization potential exists outside of DoD for commercial aircraft.