CFD RESEARCH CORPORATION — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: AF212-0005

Description

Fire starting in petroleum, oil, and lubricant (POL) targets is challenging. We propose to first apply physics-based models to evaluate the flammability of POL impacted by existing air-delivered weapons. We will then develop a new ignition concept of adding a powerful oxygen generation solid, Lithium Perchlorate (PL), to create a favorable condition to ignited POL. Then we will incorporate the concept into a virtual design of the endgame delivery system for the catastrophic defeat of POL targets.    During Phase I, a) the spill and possible ignition of POL target will be assessed by modeling the target response and flash duration,  the time to spill POL, and  POL droplet sizes and distribution; b) the ignition delay of a chemical mechanism for PL-POL combustion will be investigated; c) CFD simulations to understand cavitation composition, temperature, and vapor pressure behind a proposed projectile inside POL will be conducted; d) the chemistry will be coupled with cavitation to exploit a single weapon concept;  e) a small scale testing of LP-POL ignition will be conducted, and f) plans for the endgame weapon systems to be compliant with the Navy and Air Force will be developed.   Phase II  efforts will include performing more tests to validate POL modeling,  developing larger-scale warhead prototypes, and demonstrating fire starting capability in a mid-scale test and fabrication and manufacturing techniques.  The end product will be a full-scale prototype warhead and an engineering-level performance code for the catastrophic defeat of POL targets.