Coupled Multi-Physics Tool for Analysis of Structural Profile Disruption Effects of Aerovehicles

High speed air vehicles, already operating at material strength performance limits, are at significant risk when subjected to additional localized heating from sources such as directed energy. This localized heating may result in material softening, pitting and burn through causing structural damage and alteration of the structural profile. This damage can disrupt the aerodynamic performance and impact flight trajectory. Predictive multi-physics tools that couple the aerothermodynamic environment, structure and material response are needed to develop countermeasures and mitigate risk. In this project, CFDRC in collaboration with UDRI will develop 1) subscale material models using mixture theory for modeling material weakening, 2) an effective surface response model based on peridynamics simulations to model material loss and surface pitting and 3) algorithms for coupling aerothermodynamic CFD and materials models to predict material response and impact on aerodynamic performance. Existing validated aeroelastic modeling tools will be leveraged for this work. In Phase I, development and demonstration of the simulation framework including subscale material models will be initiated. In Phase II, the developed subscale models will be matured, coupon sized tests will be conducted to validate the subscale models, and the tools will be fully coupled and integrated, validated, and demonstrated for 3-D applications.