Radiation hardness improvements via automated comprehensive system modeling

An environment for integrated design and Radiation Transport Analysis (RTA) is proposed. It automates the RTA process supporting improved modeling fidelity. Optimization methods for reducing the computational order of the analysis model and integrating the analysis process with CAD design environments facilitating trade studies and exploration are supported. The environment will seamlessly integrate industry proven RTA tools including TART and MCNPX with common parametric CAD systems within a single object-oriented engineering framework. The proposed environment will have an immediate impact on MDA systems in the design phase, in addition to supporting detailed studies for radiation tolerance of systems already fielded. The enhanced analytical modeling capability and the rapid engineering environment will allow for reduced system weight and costs, enhanced radiation tolerance, and greater design margins. These improvements will have a positive impact on performance, affordability, and effective manufacturing yield. The environment's potential benefit would apply to commercial space applications as well as to DoD systems. In partnership with Raytheon the proposed underlying modeling and computing technology will be matured, developed, tested, and deployed, with the objective being an end-to-end integrated design and radiation transport analysis and design exploration environment.