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. Our Phase I effort initiates the development of a high-fidelity, multi-disciplinary modeling/simulation tool to quantify the loads that occur during staging events, focusing on the KEI staging problem. This tool will provide the transient load history on sensitive components, including the spectral context of dynamic loads which is important in evaluating resonant phenomena that may occur. Exploratory studies will be performed for the KEI staging event, including a subscale staging analysis to quantify differences in loads in ground test and flight environments. Scaling studies will be performed as part of an experimental planning task to prepare for Phase II validation experiments to be performed in the LENS II shock tunnel facility.