IM Modeling/Simulation Tool for KEI Dynamic/Thermal Loads Associated with Stage Separation

Intense dynamic and thermal loads will occur during stage-separation events that are of major concern from both operational and safety viewpoints. The insensitive-munitions (IM) stimuli and thermal/dynamic response associated with such events has received very little attention, yet this is of major concern for the KEI vehicle undergoing Stage 1 to Stage 2 separation. The KEI event is at lower altitude where dynamic and thermal loads are severe, and will involve plume interactions with strong afterburning effects. The Fast Track SBIR Phase II effort will lead to the extension/upgrade & demonstration of a high-fidelity, modeling/simulation tool to quantify the loads that occur during staging events, focusing on the KEI staging problem. The model will implement an innovative hybrid structured/unstructured grid methodology. This tool will provide the transient load history on sensitive components, including the spectral context of dynamic loads that is important in evaluating resonant phenomena that may occur. The modeling tool will be validated against data from Quasi-Steady Stage Separation (QSSS) tests that will be performed at CUBRC LENS II hypersonic shock-tunnel. The validated CFD model will be used to provide risk-reduction predictions of stage separation for MDA’s BF-DVT (Booster Flight – Design Verification Tests) for the Kinetic Interceptor (KI) program.