Innovative Method to Correlate Sub-Scale to Full-Scale Insensitive Munition Tests

Comprehensive testing to ascertain IM compliance for energetic systems is time-consuming and expensive. A key to this proposal is the use of high-fidelity physics based modeling and simulation tools to augment the testing programs. Modeling and simulation tools exist that can be used to address the assessment of existing and new propellants, serve as a design tool for reducing sensitivity, and act as a “numerical” test capability for certification against IM requirements. The tools can also be used to evaluate sub-scale screening test for the correlation to full scale testing. In this context, the correlation requires that the sub-scale tests accurately gives insight into the propellants response to IM stimuli at full scale. We propose utilizing modeling simulation to verify the sub-scale tests relevance to full scale response, to identify the critical parameters that affect the results, and identify any flaws that exist with the current testing paradigm. If successful, in Phase I we will identify the underlying physics driving the propellant response. This will lead to either new testing or modifications to existing testing in Phase II.