Laser Lethality Assessment via Advanced Multi-Physics Simulation

Directed energy weapons are being developed for both short and long term introduction into the U.S. arsenal for boost phase missile defense. A key to understanding the effectiveness of these weapons is a tool to assess modes of missile failure. Fracturemechanics based models exist, but under certain engagement conditions these do not predict clear, catastrophic failure. CFD Research Corporation proposes augmenting existing tools with a missile failure prediction tool that is based on a multi-physicssimulation based approach combining fluid flow, heat transfer and combustion analysis. During Phase 1, we will demonstrate the use of our commercial CFD-ACE+ software for modeling the fundamental processes and consequences of laser heating of missile fueltanks, and the consequences of laser induced venting of a fuel tank. The physical consequences predicted by the model will be assessed to determine if the missile system fails. The focus during Phase 2 will be on adapting the framework provided by theCFD-ACE+ package into a customized tool for failure assessment. The process of running simulations will be automated as much as possible to allow assessment to be performed by users with wide ranging technical backgrounds. The development of directedenergy weapons is in its early stages. Within a few years initial programs will bear fruit and result in fielded weapon systems. Additional designs will follow. Each of these programs will need tools for assessing the effectiveness of the weapon systemagainst targets. The product of this project will be one of these tools. It will find a wide market among directed energy weapon system designers, and evaluators. Additional utility may be found among designers of liquid fueled aerospace vehicles forassessing the ability of their designs to withstand an attack by directed energy weapons.