SBIR-STTR Award

The objective of this Phase I research is to develop the methodology necessary to predict damage to operating rocket motors as a result of warhead fragment impact. Methodology, as used in this work, means the definition and specification of numerical procedures, semi-empirical formulae, and available experimental data to be used in a procedure, the result of which is the calculation of key system parameters which prescribe the rocket motor-s proximity to failure. The approach adopted for this effort includes a comprehensive review of available information and data to first identify and postulate potential failure mechanisms. Subsequently, Anamet and its subcontractors, Lockheed and SRI, will define the predictive methodology to be used with each failure mechanism. Emphasis will be placed on semi-empirical methods as these offer reasonable accuracy without being excessively complex, time-consuming, or expensive. More elaborate hydrodynamics computational procedures will be considered when appropriate. Each failure mechanism and associated predictive methodology will have a corresponding experimental simulation test defined during Phase I effort. The experimental simulation is necessary to validate and add confidence to the predictive methodology being developed. Phase I effort will demonstrate the feasibility of using semi-empirical approaches to establish useful predictive methodology to the Navy.