An Investigation of Optimal Aimpoints for Multiple Nuclear Weapons against Installations in a Target Complex
Abstract
Strategic nuclear targeting studies generally include more target installations than there are weapons. Hence, a weapon is not assigned to an installation, but rather, to a Desired Ground Zero (DGZ). The objective of this study was to investigate optimal DGZs for multiple nuclear weapons against installations in a target complex. To accomplish this, it was necessary to develop the target Complex Expected Damage Function (CEDF) maximization algorithm. The algorithm locates optimal DGZs by maximizing the CEDF; the CEDF is a nonlinear function of 2m variables, the (X sub i, Y sub i) DGZ coordinates for each of the m weapons. The algorithm uses two CEDF models and two optimization techniques. These models use DIA Physical Vulnerability System probability of damage models. The CEP-Included model includes each weapon's CEP; the simpler CEP-Excluded model assumes each weapon's CEP equals 0. An analytical expression for the gradient of the CEP-Excluded model was calculated; the algorithm maximizes this CEDF using a conjugate gradient with restarts search technique. The algorithm maximizes the CEP-Included CEDF using a direct search technique, Powell's method of conjugate directions. This investigation characterized three factors that affect the optimal DGZ locations for multiple nuclear weapons in a target complex. The first factor was gradient symmetry; this symmetry resulted from either a geographically symmetric target complex or collocated weapons. The second factor was weapon CEP. Maximization of the two CEDF models produced slightly different optimal DGZs; this difference depended on a weapon's CEP and the CEDF model.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1984
- Accession Number
- ADA141034
Entities
People
- Edmund G. Boy
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology