Developing Insensitive Munitions (IM) Modeling and Simulation Capability for Large Rocket Motors

Following a number of events involving large numbers of casualties, Congress is demanding that all new munitions pass IM requirements. NATO also shares this demand. The DoD views the use of IM as a force multiplier and providing tactical advantages. IM is also a necessity in view of the ongoing concentration of munitions in fewer storage facilities, and the proximity of some of these facilities to major population centers. Symplectic Engineering Corporation, together with Aerojet-General Corporation, will develop an insensitive munitions modeling and simulation tool for the design and development of solid rocket motors. The approach pursued employs finite element modeling of the coupled casing-liner-propellant-gas flow to predict the response of SRMs when exposed to ballistic and thermal stimuli. Phase I work will be primarily focused on the development of a model for the propellant, which brings micromechanical characteristic into the macro scale. A set of laboratory tests will be undertaken to develop an associated properties database. Comparing a computer simulation with the results of an experiment will be used to validate the model. Testing a subscale or analog motor subjected to thermal stimuli, as defined by MIL-STD-2105C and accompanying STANAGs, will be used for the validation.