An Accurate 3D Real-Time Simulation Tool for Generating Hardbody Thermal Histories

Existing thermal analysis tools for optical signature generation are employed in an off-line manner, and are inadequate for new closed-loop real-time system simulations being pursued by MDA. This STTR project aims to develop and demonstrate an innovative simulation tool for the automatic generation and subsequent computation of reduced thermal models for accurate, real-time analysis of complex 3D hardbody with multi-layered materials and paint coatings in various environments. The salient aspects of the proposed solution are: (1) an innovative combination of mathematically rigorous model order reduction (MOR) approaches based on subspace projection and fast matrix operation-based ODE/DAE solvers significantly reduces model dimensions to enable thermal solution in real-time; (2) reduced models are automatically derived from first principle-based, full-scale models to retain simulation accuracy and capability; and (3) a modular software framework is used to automate the entire simulation process and seamless integration with selected MDA simulators. In Phase I, a MOR engine encapsulating carefully chosen algorithms, a reduced model solver, and a verification module, along with facile data exchange interfaces will be developed in an integrated environment. Feasibility will be demonstrated by selected case studies of MDA interest, in which realistic 3D targets will be analyzed and the results will be compared against full-scale analysis in terms of accuracy and speed. The Phase II effort will focus on enhancing MOR algorithms, optimizing software architecture, integrating our software with MDA simulators, and developing data interfaces to existing MDA tools for extensive validation and demonstration. Further ensuring project success, the proposed effort features a collaboration between CFDRC, the Ohio State University (OSU) and Teledyne Solutions, Inc (TSI), with extensive expertise on all central research themes.