Mechanics and Ballistics

Abstract

This Project conducts basic research in materials and ballistic science to create higher performing, lighter weight, lower cost materials, and processes, discover new ways to store and release chemical energy from novel energetic materials, explore fundamental chemistry and physics controlling the launch and flight of gun-launched projectiles and missiles, and understand the interaction of these weapons with armored targets, including the high deformation rate behavior of materials and the mechanics of threat impact and penetration of armored targets. Research involves the development of new experimental capabilities to measure, characterize, and visualize complex phenomena with high temporal and spatial resolutions as well as the development of state-of-the-art computational models that provide predictive capabilities based on at-scale and cross-scale numerical frameworks that capture the relevant physical phenomena. Research in atmospheric science seeks an in-depth understanding of the complex atmospheric boundary layer associated with high-resolution meteorology, the transport, dispersion, optical properties and characterization of chemical and biological aerosols, the propagation of full-spectrum electro-magnetic and acoustic energy and physics-based multi-scale models for electronic, optical, mechanical, and chemical materials. Efforts seek to develop methodologies and computational capabilities for the quantification of uncertainty in predictive modeling enabling risk-informed decision analysis multi-scale material models and environmental impacts on complex Army systems (manned and unmanned). This research also conducts research in chemistry and physics controlling ballistic propulsion and launch; creating aerodynamic forces on flight bodies to permit radical maneuver at high speeds, and high altitude glide and flight maneuver for increased range of gun launched projectiles. This research results in knowledge products that lead to new materials for armor and armaments, disruptive explosives and propellants, more accurate and non-lethal (NL)/lethal projectiles and missiles, omnisonic maneuver of projectiles, and advanced armors for increased survivability of Army combat systems. This research also funds efforts in the characterization of chemical and biochemical phenomena occurring at or near solid surfaces and interfaces; the interactions between chemical reactions and transport processes on surfaces; theory and modeling of processes at complex surfaces; and the synthesis and characterization of catalysts that function at the nanoscale. Investment in basic research centered on the surface science disciplines will enable growth of a knowledge base that will result in improved understanding of the interactions of complex materials in real world environments. Work in this Project supports key Army needs and provides the technical underpinnings for several PEs to include PE 0602145A (Next Generation Combat Vehicle Technology) / Project BG6 (Advanced Concepts for Active Defense Technology), and Project BI4 (Materials - Application & Integration Technology); 0602146A (Networks C3I Technology); 0602147A (Long Range Precision Fires); PE 0602141A (Lethality Technology), PE 0602143 Soldier Lethality Technology / Project AY6 (Soldier Squad Small Arms Armaments Technology) and Project AZ5 (Soldier Protection Technology - Vulnerability). FY 2020 realignments are due to financial restructuring in support of Army Modernization Priorities The cited work is consistent with the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering priority focus areas and the Army Modernization Strategy.

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Document Details

Document Type
Project
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2020
Source ID
AA7_0601102A_1_2040_PB_2020

Tags

Readers

  • Military Science and Technology Research and Modernization.
  • Ocean-Atmosphere Mesoscale Modeling, Data Assimilation, and Flux Boundary Layers

Technology Areas

  • Autonomy
  • Microelectronics

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