3-D Modeling of Rocket Motor Plumes

Characteristics of missile plume signature emissions have a great potential to enhance defensive capabilities in a number of important areas related to early (boost-phase) detection and identification of the missile system/rocket motor. Missile defensetechnologies where plume modeling plays a significant role include: early warning launch detection (ELDT), post launch warning detection; missile typing algorithms; discrimination; and, background clutter discrimination. High fidelity, 3D rocket plumemodeling of threat systems emphasizing IR signature is now well established. Extending rocket motor plume modeling to address Radar Cross Section (RCS), Radar Frequency (RF) attenuation, etc. in an efficient and user-friendly format is the subject of theproposed effort. Supporting these new applications requires estimation of many additional parameters by the plume models, which can be very expensive for 3D scenarios. Fortunately, significant efficiency can be realized by computing the spatial evolutionof these quantities in an OVERLAID fashion, with a pre-computed plume flowfield. Under the proposed program, CRAFT Tech will conduct development of an overlaid plume modular extension to the 3D CRAFT CFD code, entitled 3D-OP, for the post CFD prediction ofscalar (mean/fluctuating) quantities required for RCS, RF attenuation and other relevant parameters. The technology development proposed is of direct relevance to Boost Phase Intercept (BPI) and will lead to a single, engineering-oriented 3D plume codewith IR/UV interfacing, as well as a module to permit RF or RCS interfacing. Having a full understanding of the underlying physics, and the ability to simulate the varied signature effects for 3D missile systems allows optimization of sensor capabilities.The modeling proposed is directly applicable to aircraft plumes, as well. Additionally, there is potential for civil/military aviation to utilize plume signatures for enhancing air traffic control capabilities.