| Sol No.: |
Navy STTR FY2010.A |
| Topic No.: |
N10A-T002 |
| Topic Title: |
A Multiscale Modeling and Simulation Framework for Predicting After-Burning Effects from Non-Ideal Explosives |
| Proposal No.: |
N10A-002-0107 |
| Firm: |
Reaction Engineering International
77 West 200 South, Suite 210
Salt Lake City, Utah 84101 |
| Contact: |
David Swensen |
| Phone: |
(801) 364-6925 |
| Web Site: |
www.reaction-eng.com |
| Abstract: |
The primary objective of the proposed effort is to develop a validated computational tool to predict the afterburning of non-ideal munitions containing metal and hydrocarbon fuels. The activities outlined devise a well-coordinated collaboration among researchers from Reaction Engineering International (REI) and the State University of New York at Buffalo (UB). The activities proposed will build on the previous collaboration between REI and UB in modeling and simulation of advanced computational frameworks for abnormal thermal and mechanical environments. The modeling strategy proposed includes several unique features that are important for understanding and predicting the ignition of compressible multiphase flows. These effects include both heterogeneous and homogeneous particle reactions, particle compressibility, and a turbulence modeling approach that naturally includes effects of group combustion. The modeling will be housed into a new supervisory simulation framework pioneered by REI for examining blast environments. A development plan is presented that will allow for the systematic development of this new tool starting from 2D single room (phase I) to multi-room (phase I extension) and finally to 3D configurations using a variety of explosives (phase II). It is anticipated that the final tool will be commercialized for both military and non-military customers to either design or better understand the blast loads from non-ideal explosives. |
| Benefits: |
This project will provide U.S. Navy and contractor personnel with a powerful tool to predict the afterburning of non-ideal munitions containing aluminum and hydrocarbon fuels. Simulation of this complex process will help improve understanding of how to tailor (or counteract) the secondary combustion response of energetic materials. This will have direct benefit to design of military thermobaric and afterburning devices. This understanding will also benefit fundamental understanding of turbulent mixing behavior; ignition, quench and burn mechanisms; momentum and energy coupling under post-detonation conditions; role of compressible flow on dispersal of fuels; and chemical response of after-burning additives. In addition to military applications, this modeling capability would also benefit a wide spectrum of civilian safety challenges. Potential applications include improved grain elevator and mill analysis and equipment design and design of storage and handling systems for highly reactive solid fuels such as woody biomass used in power generation.
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