A Multiscale Modeling and Simulation Framework for Predicting After-Burning Effects from Non-Ideal Explosives

The objective of the proposed Phase II STTR 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 that includes support for complex geometries and a variety of explosives. 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.