SBIR-STTR Award

Leveraging our extensive experience with optical data collections, analysis, and explosive munition modeling, the Torch Team proposes an innovative high-fidelity modeling approach to optimize the hardware/software requirements for a Background-Oriented Schlieren 3D (BOS-3D) blast pressure wave tracking and characterization measurements. Open-air arena and blast/structure experimental configurations will be analyzed. Furthermore, we propose in Phase I to quantitatively demonstrate our BOS-3D approach using shock-tube measurements. Our measurement system concept will integrate with existing and planned arena diagnostic instrumentation. In particular, a methodology to use the BOS-3D measurements to better characterize fragment in-flight aerodynamics that will result in improved data products from our existing stereo tracking technology is presented. Our proposed hardware/software approach will address critical explosive weapon data collection capability gaps to improve lethality and collateral damage modeling in a timely and cost effective manner.

Benefits:
The proposed system will expand the quantity and quality of pressure data being collected from current arena testing. It will also significantly decrease the amount of time and labor required to reduce this data into a format that can be used to anchor weapon effectiveness models. It will provide a quantitative approach to study fine scale blast/structure interactions. All existing Government and contractor operated warhead test facilities would benefit from this improved instrumentation. Potential commercial applications include high-speed fluid flow applications in the aerodynamics and automotive industries.

Keywords:
Munitions testing, blast characterization, pressure wave, shock wave, fragment shape, arena, lethality, collateral damage, weapon effectiveness.

Leveraging the results of our Phase I work, the Torch Team proposes to develop a multi-camera system with associated Background-Oriented Schlieren 3D (BOS-3D) algorithms to track and characterize blast waves from detonating weapons in an arena test enviro