MDA27BZ02-DV004 — Modeling UV/VIS/near-IR Observables of Dim Hypersonic Configurations

Develop an innovative model of the ultraviolet (UV), visible (Vis), and near-infrared (near-IR) observables of hypersonic configurations at low- and high-altitudes to facilitate detection of dim, hypersonic vehicles by fast-moving observers.

To address dim hypersonic threats in missile defense scenarios, the government desires to enhance current physical modeling tools with the ability to simultaneously predict at-source observable properties in the ultraviolet (UV), visible (VIS), and near-infrared (near-IR) spectral regimes that are founded and built upon Navier-Stokes Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Direct Simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) techniques and which accounts for, but is not limited to, vehicle surface heating and ablation, Arrhenius and collisional chemically reacting flows, non-local thermodynamic equilibrium (NLTE) effects, boost and divert jet exhaust interactions with the hypersonic body flowfield, and electro-optical radiative transfer physics-based models. The modeling suite provided by the Joint Army-Navy-NASA Air Force (JANNAF) Exhaust Plume and Signatures Subcommittee (EPSS) [1-4] computes RF and certain IR observables. It is founded on CFD and DSMC flowfield codes, hardbody heating models, and radiative transfer / radar propagation techniques. However, the suite does not model all the underlying chemical and physical mechanisms needed to account for radiative emissions in the identified parts of the electromagnetic spectrum. Phenomenologies that must be enhanced within or added to the suite include, but are not limited to: characterization of thermal protection system response, development of material degradation models, detailed Arrhenius and collisional chemical kinetics models that consistently apply across the continuum and rarefied regimes, and generation of molecular band models for UV, Visible, and near-IR radiative emission. The developed models should be compatible with the JANNAF suite infrastructure. And the resulting assemblage should be able to model realistic hypersonic configurations (such as boost-glide, divert jet, and cruise missiles) under steady, unsteady, and maneuvering flight conditions lasting tens of minutes with high Mach within the atmosphere over a wide range of continuum and rarefied altitudes. The resulting capability is expected to facilitate the acquisition and tracking of dim hypersonic threats in modeling and simulation venues, such as MDA’s existing agency framework, and operational scenarios.

Phase I-like proposals will not be evaluated and will be rejected as nonresponsive. For this topic, the Government expects the small business would have accomplished the following in a Phase I-like effort via some other means, e.g., independent research and development (IRAD) or other source, a concept for a workable prototype or design to address, at a minimum, the basic capabilities of the stated objective above. Proposal must show, as appropriate, a demonstrated technical feasibility or nascent capability. The documentation provided must substantiate the proposer’s development of a preliminary understanding of the technology to be applied in their Phase II proposal in meeting topic objectives. Documentation should comprise all relevant information including, but not limited to, technical reports, test data, prototype designs/models, and performance goals/results. Feasibility = maturity and what have you already done/validated. Proposers interested in participating in Direct to Phase II must include in their responses to this topic Phase I feasibility documentation that substantiates the scientific and technical merit and Phase I feasibility described in Phase I above has been met. (i.e., the small business must have performed a proof of concept like “Phase I” component and/or other validation in a relevant environment, and/or at a much higher Technology Readiness Level (TRL) level (5 or higher) and describe the potential commercialization applications. The documentation provided must validate that the proposer has completed development of technology in previous work or research completed.) IRAD work: Documentation should include the most relevant information including, but not limited to: technical reports, test data, prototype designs/models, and/or performance goals/results. Work submitted within the feasibility documentation must have been substantially performed by the proposer and/or the principal investigator (PI).

Develop and deliver UV/Visible/near-IR at-source, observable prediction models that are compatible and integrate with the JANNAF Plume/Wake/Hypersonic Flowfield and Hardbody Signature Prediction Suite to provide simultaneous, high-fidelity, expanded spectral characterization of threats based on the proof of concept demonstrated by the Phase I evidence. Focus should be on, but is not limited to, adding the capabilities specified in the Description section above. As part of the Phase II effort, the small business should identify measured data which could be used to establish evidence of validation of the Phase II models under Department of War-relevant conditions. In addition, the integration of the Phase II prototype software within the stakeholders' current simulation process (such as the existing agency framework) should be demonstrated for relevant missile defense scenarios of interest to the Missile Defense Agency. The prototype software should also demonstrate the capability to integrate with relevant scene generators such as FLITES [5]. All software developed under this effort, including executable and source code, as well as associated databases, makefiles, and example case input/output files should be delivered during the course of contract performance to enable the Government to test the resulting prototype. The corresponding final software products and technical/user manuals should also be delivered to the Government.

Example dual use applications include but are not limited to: collaboration with simulation model developers to integrate the Phase II product into a missile defense application, optimization of the resulting Phase II toolset to accommodate new advances in technology for tracking and predicting trajectories of emerging threats, transition of the resulting technology via JANNAF to appropriate government organizations and/or defense contractors for integration and testing, and integration of the resulting functional tools into a real-world missile defense applications.