Improved Blast Simulations Using High-Order Implicit Shock Tracking
Abstract
Problem: Physics-based simulations are used to study blast problems of interest to the United States Air Force (USAF). While these simulations give acceptable accuracy relative to experiments, a single blast scenario requires substantial computing resources making them infeasible to use for comprehensive studies. Thus, there is need for innovations to blast simulation technology to improve accuracy per degree of freedom (DoF). Objectives: I aim to improve the state-of-the-art in blast simulation technology by developing a novel numerical method tailored to flows with strong, propagating shock waves and contact discontinuities, which are defining features of blast problems. I will use the method to conduct a parametric study of a blast in a vented building with realistic equations of state. Technical Approach: I propose a departure from traditional methods that capture discontinuities to one that automatically aligns the mesh with these features using high-order methods and optimization. My group has pioneered such a method that simultaneously computes the flow solution and implicitly aligns the mesh with discontinuities by solving an optimization problem. We will extend the approach to blast simulations by accounting for strong, evolving discontinuities and multi-material shock hydrodynamics. Outcome: A successful research campaign would improve the state-of-the-art of blast simulation technology by producing a numerical method for shock hydrodynamics that has high accuracy per DoF and low numerical dissipation. This would establish a foundation for future investigation into USAF blast scenarios with researchers at AFRL. Impact: High accuracy per DoF and low numerical dissipation will lead to accurate blast predictions on coarse grids, which will reduce the computational cost of blast simulations. This will expand the utility of physics-based blast simulations for comprehensive blast studies and blast-resistant design.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jan 21, 2022
- Source ID
- FA95502210002XX0
Entities
People
- Matthew Zahr
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- United States Air Force
- University of Notre Dame