Ballistic Missile Fuel Tank Ullage Fire/Explosion Modeling

We propose to perform a series of scoping calculations to determine the propellant and conditions most likely to lead to lethality enhancement under laser heating. For these conditions, we will develop a model to quantify the pressure rise inside the tankdue to chemical reactions. The model will account for key processes such as laser heating, temperature gradient across the tank wall and in the gas phase near the wall, circulation inside the ullage, thermal decomposition, combustion and venting.Comparison of the predicted tank pressure with that found experimentally to produce tank burst will establish whether lethality is enhanced. Parametric calculations over a range of conditions will establish the viability of lethality enhancement bychemical reactions. The proposed model will benefit government agencies involved in laser weapon development and lethality assessment such as MDA, the Army, Air Force and Navy and their defense contractors. It can be used in pre-test design to reducecosts and speed up technology development. It can be used by the warfighters to increase weapon effectiveness by determining optimal strategies in the selection of aimpoints (fuel versus oxidizer tank), laser intensity, heating area and dwell time.