Experimental and Computational Program for Slow and Fast Cookoff for Insensitive Munitions Testing

We propose a Phase II joint experimental and computational program to predict the behavior of heterogeneous energetic materials. Specifically the system will predict the properties and dynamics of their initiation during slow and fast cookoff experiments in fully-instrumented tests cells, allowing for spatial and temporal resolution of critical dynamic variables. The modeling and simulation effort will focus on multiscale, multiphysics simulations using validated models on high-performance parallel computer platforms. Intermediate scale modeling is crucial to bridging the enormous gap between device-scale models (that are often based on empirical modeling rather than first principles), and atomic-scale models that take into account the underlying discrete nature of matter, but are often difficult to relate to engineering-scale results. Our multiscale approach to modeling and simulation will explicitly address physical features and phenomena at the macro- (device), meso- (aggregate of crystals) and micro- (individual crystal) scales in an integrated fashion. IllinoisRocstar LLC envisions the initial product of this effort to be IMSIM, a first-generation software product for the simulation of energetic material behavior under fast and slow cookoff. In partnership with the University of Illinois, development of the IMSIM system will provide state-of-the-art simulation and experimental characterization abilities to governmental and industrial users of energetic materials.