Model and Code Development in Support of the Portfolio for Multiphase Flow Technology

Abstract

Modeling and simulation of weapon systems and munitions is a key enabler for exploring warfighting capability needs and system operational opportunities, and translating emergent technologies to robust, validated solutions that fill needed design spaces rather than provide point designs of limited relevance and durability. The intent is to increase the breadth and depth of system engineering and to explore and validate design spaces that are either untestable, too difficult to test, or too expensive, and time-consuming to test. The desired end state of this portfolio is an integrated toolkit capability encompassing the investments, discoveries, and inventions pertaining to future systems. The high performance computing modernization program multiphase flow target response (MFT) portfolio sharply advances the state-of-the-art in precision and completeness of how we develop weapon systems and munitions. The goal of the MFT response portfolio is to develop an integrated, coupled computational toolset for solving complex weapon systems problems where multiphase flow and realistic detonation chemistry are important. The MFT portfolio focuses on solving a class of complex system problems for non-traditional, advanced munitions, specifically multiphase blast explosives, and the subsequent target response. Increased performance of multiphase blast weapons over conventional weapons is attributed to the presence of solid particulates, either non-reactive or reactive, enhancing the blast wave and impulse. The result of this portfolio is an enhanced capability to develop advanced munitions faster and at less cost by optimizing system designs computationally, which may be validated experimentally