Missile Plume Signature Evolution

The objective of the proposed effort is to develop and deliver a real-time physics-based simulation capability for predicting threat plume signatures from launch to burnout. SciTec's approach is to address the dominant phenomenology in each altitude regime (e.g. data derived mixing of free stream air to enable complete combustion in the fully afterburning regime) and develop fast plume signature models. In Phase I of the effort, SciTec documents the current implementation of in-house plume signature models and identifies shortfalls, particularly in the areas of multi-phase and multi-nozzle flow. Concepts would be developed and prototyped for evolving the plume models to more accurately predict the intensity behavior in the most important regimes next, based on assessment of MDA requirements. Limited software development would occur in Phase I to design a unified functional flow between the low-altitude and high-altitude plume codes to permit launch-to-burnout simulations. In Phase II, SciTec would pursue strategies for improving the models based on the identified approaches by leveraging existing and emerging data on well-truthed and threat ballistic missiles. In Phase III, SciTec would incorporate these tools into future modeling and simulation architectures, such as BEST or end-to-end simulation tools at AFRL/MN or MSIC.