Ultra-High Efficiency Multi-Physics CFD Simulation Software for DPAL/Laser System Analysis

The primary objective of Phase I work performed by the team of CU Aerospace and the University of Illinois is to produce a powerful and easy to use, parallel, fluid-dynamic, chemical-kinetic, and optical simulation software package that will function on any modern computational platform (Unix, Linux, Windows, MacOS), be applicable to a wide range of laser systems and other technical problems of interest to MDA, and demonstrate its utility by accurately modeling performance leading DPAL experiments. The proposed software will exceed standards set by competing software solutions in applicability, ease of use, capability, and computer time and resource requirements. These advances will have a major impact on the dual use technology of kinetically and optically reactive fluid-dynamic models and laser system simulation software for a wide range of problems of interest to MDA, DOD, commercial industry, and educational institutions. The results of Phase I research will lay the foundation for developing a multi-physics simulation suite applicable to all lasers systems of interest to the MDA in Phase II. Our team partner the University of Illinois will perform fundamental research testing and validation studies intended to establish the model"s accuracy and compare its performance to industry leading competitors.