Development of High-Fidelity Modeling Tools to Predict Radiative Signatures from Hypervelocity Impact Flash Events

The objective of this project is to develop and benchmark advanced physics-based modeling techniques that can be used to reliably predict radiative signatures emitted during the early-time impact flash phase of hypervelocity impact events. Impact flash spectroscopy (IFS) has the potential to identify the presence of special nuclear materials based on radiation emitted during the impact flash phase of hypervelocity interceptor-missile collisions. Utilization of IFS as a reliable approach for missile defense engagement analysis requires a well-developed understanding of the evolution of the gas and particulate environment created during the impact. This can be accomplished with the use of well-tested codes that simulate both the hydrodynamic breakup and expansion of the target and interceptor debris and the spectral line emission originating during the impact flash phase. During Phase II, we will: develop and benchmark advanced physics models that more accurately treat multi-phase phenomena in expanding debris clouds; further develop our radiation physics packages to support rapid material identification and determination of vapor conditions based on measured emission spectra; and validate shock physics and radiation physics models by benchmarking against data obtained in hypervelocity gas-gun experiments. Successful completion of this project will significantly benefit MDA-supported sensor development and kill assessment studies.