Missile Plume Signature Transient Events

Understanding the transient events in plume signature emissions has a great potential to enhance defensive capabilities in a number of important areas related to early warning launch detection, post launch warning detection, missile typing algorithms,discrimination and background clutter discrimination. From the perspective of Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD), it provides a novel opportunity for boost phase detection and typing of targets. From the perspective of predicting transient signatures, apartfrom the complexities of accounting for 3D propulsion system details (jet vanes, fins, etc.), transient events are associated with complex changes in geometry/topology. Application of a conventional structured grid CFD based 3D plume signature model totransient events is not straightforward since it is unable to account for these complexities in an accurate and efficient manner. Absence of a validated high-fidelity plume signature transient events model has hindered exploitation of this distinctivesignature for Boost Phase Intercept (BPI). CRAFT Tech proposes: 1) specialization of a generalized high-fidelity multi-element unstructured grid CFD code for plume signature transient event simulations, and, 2) systematic application & evaluation of thiscode by initially focusing on simulations of launch flash and stage separation for systems of current interest to MDA. A transient events signature capability for real systems is unique and of great commercial interest to prime contractors. Having a fullunderstanding of the underlying physics, and the ability to simulate the transient signature effects for geometrically complex targets that cannot be measured, allows optimization of sensor capabilities, etc. Additionally, next-generation manned strikefighters (F-22, JSF) and rotorcraft (V-22) have placed a premium on stealth & low-observable (LO) capabilities. A validated versatile signature prediction capability is requisite for supporting design studies related to IR suppression during maneuvers.