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Advanced Computational Algorithms for Simulating Weapon-Target Interaction

Award Information
Agency: Department of Defense
Branch: Army
Contract: DAAD1903C0088
Agency Tracking Number: A033-0109
Amount: $99,889.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: STTR
Solicitation Topic Code: N/A
Solicitation Number: N/A
Timeline
Solicitation Year: N/A
Award Year: 2003
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): N/A
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
2790 Skypark Drive, Suite 310
Torrance, CA 90505
United States
DUNS: 131277725
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 G. Wije Wathugala
 Principal Investigator
 (310) 530-1008
 wathugala@actainc.com
Business Contact
 Jim Hudson
Title: Vice President
Phone: (310) 530-1008
Email: hudson@actainc.com
Research Institution
 LOS ALAMOS NATIONAL LABORATORY
 W. Brian VanderHeyden
 
Group T-3, P.O. Box 1663, Mail Stop B216
Los Alamos, NM 87545
United States

 (505) 667-4156
 Federally Funded R&D Center (FFRDC)
Abstract

This STTR project will develop and validate a robust, scalable computational capability for the simulation of weapon-target interactions of interest to the Army. The proposed algorithm is based on the FLIP (Fluid Implicit Particle) - MPM (Material PointMethod) - MFM (Multiphase Flow Method) approach and the CartaBlanca nonlinear solver environment developed at Los Alamos National Laboratory. CartaBlanca can solve coupled problems involving (a) failure and penetration of solids, (b) heat transfer, (c)phase change, (d) chemical reactions, and (e) multiphase flow. It is designed with GUI capabilities to utilize multiple processors on a single computer or on computer clusters. It is written entirely in Java programming language, and is easily ported tomany computer platforms. In Phase I, we propose to demonstrate the capabilities of the FLIP-MPM-MFM approach by solving a classic problem where a lead bullet impacts and penetrates an aluminum plate, and compare results with experimental data. In PhaseII, we will validate the algorithm by simulating complex weapon-target interaction problems and comparing them to existing available experimental data using ACTA?s Nonlinear Model V&V Toolbox. In Phase III, we plan to use CartaBlanca to develop FastRunning Models for simulating weapon-target interaction in the Tri-Services Modular Effectiveness Vulnerability Assessment (MEVA)code. This project will result in a validated advanced computational algorithm that can be used for virtual testing ofmilitary systems for survivability and design studies. Full scale testing of weapon-target interaction problems is expensive and time consuming. In contrast, virtual testing using validated simulation software can be performed anywhere safely, quicklyand economically for multiple scenarios. Virtual testing also allows the Army to test future weapons with environments that may not be accessible for testing. Because of mesh tangling, commercially available Lagrangian codes are not suitable forsimulating the secondary debris created by impact detonation of army munitions on urban structures. The new algorithm developed by LANL overcomes these difficulties. The validated LANL code will be used to develop Fast Running Models (FRMs) that capturethe important aspects of HFPB (High Fidelity Physics Based) models. These FRMs can be used for quick assessments, including probabilistic Monte Carlo analysis, by personnel who are not computational mechanics experts.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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