The Behavior within Minimum Signature Propellants during Impact IM Tests

The objective of this proposal is to identify modeling and simulation (M&S) tools that will be useful in assessing rocket and missile propulsion systems for compliance with insensitive munitions (IM) requirements. The solicitation is focused on UN Hazard Class 1.1 minimum signature detonable propellants. Comprehensive testing to ascertain IM compliance for such systems is time-consuming and expensive. High-fidelity computational tools exist for similar propellant systems 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. With continuing research and development as laid out in this proposal, these existing tools can be adapted to address the physical behavior of minimum signature propellants. Providing a solution to reduce or eliminate testing would make development of IM compliant rocket motors and missile systems cost effective and provide a means to speed up the qualification of new propellants.