Hardness Validation by Verified Analysis (HV2A) Methodology for Advanced Materials

Ktech proposes to develop a HV2A methodology for the assessment of nuclear weapon effects on new materials that are candidates for inclusion in strategic and tactical military systems. The methodology (1) provides an estimate of the system requirements and operation environments for each application specific material/structure, (2) establishes the critical response modes, (3) provides a framework for the development of detailed physical models for the critical response, (4) establishes the procedures to verify and validation of the response model, (5) identifies the required material property tests and the necessary validation tests, (6) selects the AGT environments and techniques for the material property and validation experiments, and (7) a vulnerability statement for the material for the specific application. The use of the Damage-Response Mode Matrix (DRM) to define the critical response modes minimizes the model development, material characterization and validation necessary to develop a confident vulnerability statement for a new material in a specific application. The methodology will be used to develop a program plan for the evaluation of two sets of new application specific structures/materials in a Phase II program. Full utilization of recent advances in computing technology, x-ray simulator development and simulator diagnostics will be made in the development and implementation of the methodology. The methodology provides for the generation of the data (analysis and test) necessary to evaluate the vulnerability of a material/structure introduced into a strategic and tactical military system as a result of maintenance and life cycle procedures. Such issues will become increasingly important as we continue to maintain the preparedness of our aging stockpile. In industry, the same methodology can optimize welding, lithography, etching and material processing techniques.