Modeling Laser-Matter Interactions in Thermoplastics
In the fast-evolving industry of “cheap” drones, thermoplastics provide lightweight, cost-effective solutions that are crucial for mass production and affordable pricing. However, their material structures with unique thermophysical properties present several challenges when exposed to laser irradiation. Unlike metals, which have high thermal conductivity and are highly reflective, thermoplastics typically exhibit lower thermal conductivity and higher thermal expansion, making them more prone to heat accumulation and potential deformation during laser exposure. 
  Using laser systems in tactical combat scenarios results in great engagement dynamics and increased variability of the laser conditions, becoming unfeasible to perform wide and whole experimental studies. Thus, engineering-level Modeling and Simulation (M&S) is employed to provide a fast quantitative assessment across battlespace. The Finite-element for Laser Interaction and Penetration (FLIP) model included on the End-To-End Modeler (ETEM) was used to characterize melting and hole formation from high-energy laser irradiation to predict susceptibility requirements (i.e., target vulnerability, weapon lethality, system effectiveness) as a function of laser beam size and irradiance.   
  FLIP is a transient, non-linear heat transfer 3D solver based on Galerkin’s Finite Element Method (FEM). It was developed to simulate complex laser/material interaction problems to provide pre- and post-test analyses for laser vulnerability test planning. However, as the complexity of the scenario and geometry of the target of interest increases, the associated computational requirements (e.g., memory usage and data storage) grow rapidly. High Performance Computing (HPC) systems provide an effective solution to these challenges by offering greater processing power and memory capacity, which significantly reduces simulation runtimes and improved scalability compared to the available workstations.
  Results from a parametric study of an engagement scenario will be presented, highlighting the critical role of HPC systems in enabling efficient data collection and analysis.
IMPACT
Accomplishment: Quantified effectiveness of a defense technology that addresses emerging threats. Result: Quantified overall effectiveness from new capability compared to already available countermeasure system - Data acquisition time was reduced by using the HPC systems
PRESENTER
Castillo Gomez, Pedro
pedro.castillo_gomez@us.af.mil
575-652-9451
Air Force Research Laboratory
CATEGORY
Laser Propagation through Atmosphere
SECONDARY CATEGORY
Mod, Sim & Analysis for Decision Making
SYSTEM(S) USED
Nautilus