Prediction of the Full-Scale Cook-off Response Based on Small-Scale Testing

Prediction of the Full-Scale Cook-off Response Based on Small-Scale Testing
Navy STTR FY2010.A

Sol No.:	Navy STTR FY2010.A
Topic No.:	N10A-T011
Topic Title:	Prediction of the Full-Scale Cook-off Response Based on Small-Scale Testing
Proposal No.:	N10A-011-0240
Firm:	Corvid Technologies, Inc. 145 Overhill Drive Mooresville, North Carolina 28117
Contact:	Allen Shirley
Phone:	(704) 799-6944
Web Site:	http://www.corvidtec.com
Abstract:	The objective of this proposed effort is to continue the development of Corvid's existing modeling and simulation framework to provide an innovative methodology used to predict the response of full-scale weapons systems to fast cook-off (FCO) and slow cook-off (SCO). Ammunition presents a special problem where no reliable and inexpensive sub or small scale testing capability has been identified. In order to provide critical insight into scaling relationships, this modeling framework will be supplemented by and aid in the design of novel experiments aimed at linking the violence of reaction seen in full-scale systems to small scale experiments. Our approach to this challenging problem is to utilize our M&S capabilities to evaluate scaling effects of heat transfer and thermal damage processes and expand the models based on first-principles-based reaction processes. Once some of these scaling effects have been established, an innovative experiment leveraging these known relationships will be designed to assess full-scale violence of reaction in a small- to medium-scale apparatus. This proposal includes the steps required to accomplish our goal and a discussion on the existing tools that have been developed to support this type of study.
Benefits:	Corvid Technologies, located in Mooresville, NC, offers world class design and analysis support to both competitive motor sports and military applications of computational physics. At Corvid, an indigenous supercomputing facility, internationally known scientists conduct research using state of the art in-house developed and off-the-shelf research tools to provide customers with quick turnaround high fidelity computational support to concept design, test and evaluation, and deployment programs. As such, it has always been a part of Corvid's commercialization strategy to provide engineering services as well as training, independent research, and individualized model advances for the acquisition community. Our approach to expedite the transition of these IM M&S tools between Super Users, such as Corvid and the DoE, and the acquisition community is to create a "go forward" methodology that: Leverages the IM M&S tool development currently being conducted Identifies test protocols required to validate the IM M&S tools Involves the acquisition community's requirement for IM compliance modeling Offers a continuing outreach and training collaboration between the Super Users and the IM industry and government agencies The funding profile for the transition of the tools includes resourcing Corvid Technologies to a missile program of interest to participate in analysis and train acquisition personnel in the use and application of Velodyne/CDAR. In some cases, testing will be required to support the validation of the tools for unique rocket motor propellant combinations. It is our expectation that Corvid would provide 2 Full Time Equivalent (FTE) per program plus Program Management and oversight at a 0.25 FTE, and use of super computing resources. Testing cost and materials will vary depending on the program maturity and availability of pervious test data, but testing cost should not exceed $600,000 per missile program. Use of Velodyne/CDAR requires a unique set of core scientific competencies and could require continual development depending on program to program variances. Sustained support throughout the lifetime of the IM compliancy development program is recommended with expected cost on the order of $750,000 per year excluding required laboratory testing. While the successful transition of the IM M&S tool is not expected to replace all traditional IM testing, if its transition and use could reduce the number of IM compliancy tests by 50% then the potential savings to a large diameter rocket motor program could be $10 million over two years or more. Furthermore, development of the Velodyne tool set is applicable to a wide range of problems including structural and dynamic response to loading, penetration, and blast. Therefore, sales of and analysis with Velodyne could generate revenue from several areas including other military applications, the motorsports industry, and construction industries. Corvid Technologies sees this opportunity to develop a fast running, first-principles-based solver applicable to a wide market of both applied science and commercial software sales.

Return