Attch_1_-_Statement_of_Objectives.docx

High Fidelity Laser Interaction Modeling & Simulation (LVR-M)

Statement of Objectives (SOO)

FA9451-18-S-0003 Call 0002

9 September 2019

1.0 PURPOSE

The Air Force Research Laboratory, Directed Energy Directorate, Laser Effects, Modeling & Simulation Branch (AFRL/RDLE) researches high energy laser interaction with systems of interest to the Air Force to understand, quantify, predict and assess the lethality and vulnerability resulting from these interactions. The objective of this Call is to develop physics-based models that accurately predict the target response during laser irradiation, identify governing physical processes necessary to represent the target response and simplify physics-based models to an engineering level such that they can be integrated in engagement and mission level models.

2.0 BACKGROUND

The Laser Vulnerability Research (LVR) Program, as a program under AFRL/RDLE, contributes to the Air Force goal of an effective and optimized end-to-end laser weapon system by researching the corresponding vulnerability of threat targets of interest. Weapon lethality has a direct link to target vulnerability, which is supported by the development of high-end models that capture the basic physics principles related to laser/material interaction and system response based on laser engagement of critical components and material failure. The LVR Program has developed state-of-the-art predictive and experimental processes over decades of research. However, the increase in complexity of threat systems from foreign adversaries requires AFRL/RDLE to develop novel modeling methods to address new materials, components, system and the response of those items to laser energy deposition. In addition, AFRL/RDLE is exploring the threat system response after laser induced damage to determine high energy laser (HEL) weapon effectiveness as a viable solution to denied airspace.

The vulnerability analyses of these new targets requires evaluation of more complex aim points including: internal aim-points, optical systems, and as well as impacts from expected aerodynamic environments. These new requirements necessitate novel modeling tools and methodologies for evaluating emerging threats of interest to the Air Force. Innovative modeling approaches are necessary to advance the state-of-the-art for laser interaction simulations under representative engagement conditions and environments. The determination of laser effectiveness against a broader class of materials and subsequent target vulnerability requires a deeper understanding of the physical phenomena responsible for the observed laser material interactions, ranging from coupon to system level components and subsystems. In addition, the determination of critical laser parameters required to achieve the desired effect.

3.0 SCOPE

The scope of this effort is to 1) develop physics based models that accurately predict the target response during laser irradiation to quantify susceptibility and improve the understanding of target vulnerabilities; 2) perform parametric studies for analyzing the laser performance trade space and uncertainty quantification for tracking solution uncertainties; and 3) identify governing physical processes necessary to represent the target response and the development of simplified physics-based models to an engineering level such that they can be integrated in engagement and mission level models. The scope of this Call includes program plan development, coordination with experimental programs, development of measurement error budgets, data reduction and analysis, physics and engineering model development and enhancements, uncertainty quantification, documentation, as well as optimizing the use of software, databases, and computer hardware for physics based simulations.

4.0 TECHNICAL OBJECTIVES

The technical objectives of this Call fall under Technical Area #2 (Laser Interaction Modeling and Simulation (M&S)) of the “Pulsed And Continuous wave Innovation For Integration and Effects Research (PACIFIER)” Broad Agency Announcement (BAA), FA9451-18-S-0003. Offerors shall address how they propose to accomplish all of the technical objectives described in Sections 4.1-4.6 below:

4.1 Develop and Demonstrate State-of-the-Art Physics-based Models for Predicting Laser Effects (CDRLs A001, A004, A005, A006, A007, A008, A011):

· Perform research and development in advanced numerical modeling techniques such as; the finite element method, finite volume method, particle methods, hydrodynamics and related methods for performing computational fluid dynamics, heat transfer, radiation transport, stress analysis, and reaction chemistry for the development of predictive models for laser interaction and target effects.

· Conduct research to develop the capability to accurately predict the effect of a laser on materials commonly used in ground, air, and space systems.

· Perform research to simulate laser design performance for evaluation of laser kinetics models, thermal management systems, and laser efficiencies.

· Perform analysis of laser experiments and guide experimental design with pretest analysis.

· Perform research and development in high temperature thermo-mechanical constitutive models. An example of this is a model for predicting high temperature plastic deformation including crack initiation and propagation to analyze the severity of structural failure induced by laser heating of structural components.

· Perform research and development in physics-based models. An example of this is a model to predict the absorption of laser energy in materials that are semi-transparent to the laser wavelength to include the internal scattering and absorption observed in materials such as; composites, ceramics, and thermoplastics to accurately predict laser energy deposition and transient thermal response.

· Perform research and development in coupled physics models for incorporating the interactions between the optical, thermal, chemical, aero, and mechanical processes for accurately predicting laser target interactions in realistic environments.

· Continue the development and application of existing physics-based models within AFRL/RDLE and ensure future model development maintains continuity with existing capabilities.

4.2 Model Verification, Validation, and Accreditation (CDRLs A004, A006, A007):

· Perform model verification and validation for physics models and model components developed for predictive laser/material interaction simulations. Utilize analytical, numerical, methods of manufactured solutions, or similar methods to verify proper implementation and experimental data representative of the intended use case for validation of the physics model or model component.

· Perform literature review to identify prior analytical, numerical, or experimental results published by AFRL, Government, industry and academia to optimize the use of existing research in the verification and validation process.

· Provide recommendations for validation experiments when existing data is unavailable and utilize resultant test data for validating physics models for the particular application.

· Support the verification, validation, and accreditation process as necessary to accredit predictive physics models for use by a program office.

4.3 Experimental Coordination and Data Analysis (CDRL A004):

· Coordinate with experimental programs at AFRL/RDLE, during test readiness reviews, test planning working groups, hot washes, and data reviews, to maximize the utility of the experiment through the development of diagnostic recommendations and measurement error budgets with corresponding justification as the measurement applies to laser susceptibility, target vulnerability, physics and engineering model development and validation.

· Support pretest analysis for establishing test strategies and optimizing the test matrix for reaching experimental objectives and perform simulations during experimental programs to aid in decision making for the remaining experiments.

· Reduce test data as necessary to perform post-test analysis of experiments for model development or validation and provide lessons learned, from a model development and validation perspective, to the experimental teams in order to improve the experimental process with respect to instrumentation issues, error budgets, diagnostic techniques, and future requirements.

4.4 Develop Simplified Physics-Based Solvers for Engineering Models (CDRLs A001, A004, A006, A007 A008):

· Conduct research and development in advanced numerical modeling techniques for the development of simplified physics-based solvers for predictive engineering models for laser interaction and target effects.

· Identify the key physics which govern the prediction of target susceptibility to laser systems using high fidelity physics solvers and experimental data.

· Reduce the complexity of the physics-based model to an engineering level such that the predictive capability is maintained but the computational efficiency is improved significantly and document the assumptions and range of applicability for which the engineering model may be used.

· Coordinate with Assessments activities under PACIFIER Technical Area #2 to ensure simplified physics models are developed to be compatible with existing and emerging Assessment tools and are addressing assessment requirements.

· Continue the development and application of existing RDLE engineering and physics models including the Integrated Thermal Response ALgorithm (ITRAL) and Finite-elements for Laser Interaction and Penetration (FLIP) solvers, for example.

4.5 Parametric Analysis, Optimization, and Uncertainty Quantification (CDRL A004):

· Conduct parametric studies to evaluate the laser trade space and identify laser vulnerability characteristics such as irradiance thresholds for damage, spot size requirements, and component sure-safe and sure-damage levels.

· Utilize parametric analysis to perform sensitivity studies to identify governing physics and identify parametric correlations to guide research investments in refining model input parameters.

· Conduct optimization studies to evaluate experimental data, perform inverse heat transfer calculations, and optimization applications for laser vulnerability studies.

· Conduct research in uncertainty quantification analyses to propagate measurement uncertainties and model input uncertainties through the physics and engineering level models to ultimately quantify the uncertainty in laser susceptibility requirements.

4.6 Software, Database, and Hardware Maintenance (CDRLs A004 and A008):

· Provide software version control and distribution control compliant with Department of Defense (DoD) standards for revised and newly developed physics or engineering based models built under this call. References should include MIL-HDBK-61A (SE) and the AF Software Guidebook (See Attachments to this call).

· Maintain physics and engineering solvers including finite element models, finite difference models, and software subroutines, written in languages such as C++, Fortran, Python, and Matlab, to perform laser vulnerability studies, including bug fixes related to physics algorithms, compliance with latest compilers, and developing users, programming, and analyst manuals to accompany software releases.

· Optimize and maintain the use of physics and engineering level models including physical hardware, networking, cluster computing resources.

5.0 MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES: (CDRL A005, A0011)

5.1 Incorporate all program management and security tasks required to oversee the successful and efficient performance of all task activities outlined above. This will include providing the skills and resources required to plan, organize, coordinate, direct, accomplish, and document technical efforts and track funding requirements, use an effective cost, schedule, and technical performance control system, and implement an efficient organizational structure flexible to the changing requirement and workloads.

5.2 Track the status of deliverables against schedule, track expenditures against both the budget and approved activities in the program plan, and report technical progress on ongoing activities. The Contractor will provide this information as requested by the Government or on a monthly basis per CDRL A005. The format will be determined by the Government and the Contractor.

5.3 Coordinate with the LVR-M Program Manager (PM) to develop a Management Plan (in accordance with CDRL A011) that describes:

· Schedule with key milestones

· Participants with rationale why those participants are qualified to conduct the effort (years of relevant work experience, current efforts, expertise for example)

· Budget breakout/required for each specific task proposed under this effort with rationale how the activity supports either the Assessment or High End modeling Activities

· Critical paths and potential risks along with off ramps or solutions to buy down risk (specialized manpower, additional computer equipment, etc.)

· Deliverables for each technical objective

5.5 Provide updates on staffing to include new hire activity, identifying what this potential hiring action provides to the Government related activities.

6.0 TRAVEL & PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

The majority of these tasks will be conducted at Contractor Facilities, AFRL facilities at Kirtland AFB, NM with occasional work at other Government locations. These facilities include Bldgs 362, 400, 418 and 422. Travel may be also be required to Huntsville, AL (estimated at a three (3) day trip for two (2) people).

7.0 SCHEDULE, DATA ITEMS AND OTHER DELIVERABLES

All experimental computer hardware and software that is acquired or developed under the following effort must adhere to AFRL and Air Force Information Technology purchasing guidelines. (AFMAN-17203)

7.1 Schedule

Start Work: Date of Award (DOA) End of Technical Period of Performance: DOA + 45 months End of Contract Period of Performance: DOA + 48 months

7.2 Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL)

The following CDRLs are representative of the type of data to be delivered under this effort. All technical data and/or computer software developed under this effort shall be delivered to the Government with Unlimited Rights.

· CDRL A001: Computer Software Product End Items

· CDRL A004: Presentation Materials – Program Management Reviews/Technical Interchange Meetings

· CDRL A005: Status Report – Technical and Cost Status Report

· CDRL A006: Technical Report – Study/Services – Scientific & Technical Reports

· CDRL A007: Scientific and Technical Report and Checklist – Final Report

· CDRL A008: Software User’s Manual

· CDRL A011: Management Plan

8.0 SAFETY, ENVIRONMENTAL AND OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH

Establish an Environment, Safety and Occupational Health program free from those conditions that can cause death, injury, occupational illness, damage to or loss of equipment or property or damage to the environment. Comply with all precautions established by the Air Force and AFRL/RD during all activities performed in connection with this contract.

Establish and conduct a hazardous material/waste management program in accordance with all Federal, Department of Defense (DoD), Air Force, State and local regulations, AFI 32-7086 (Hazardous Material Management) and AFI 32-7042 (Solid and Hazardous Waste Compliance) and their AFMC supplements (latest version). Manage and provide for the ordering, handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials/waste used in performance of the contract in compliance with applicable local Air Force operating plans and instructions as well as Federal, State and local laws and regulations. Train all pertinent (Government, contractor, subcontractor) personnel in the proper handling, control, disposal and use of hazardous materials/waste for contractor activities. Report all mishap and chemical release to the appropriate offices.

Establish and conduct safety training (laser, electrical and lifting) in accordance with all Federal, DoD, Air Force, State and local regulations, AFI91-203 Air Force Consolidated Occupational Safety Instruction (includes fire extinguisher training, material handling equipment, LOTO, etc.) and AFI48-139 Laser and Optical Radiation Protection Program (laser training, eye exams, etc.). Train all pertinent (Government, contractor, subcontractor) personnel in the proper safety (laser, electrical and lifting) for contractor activities.

9.0 SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Adhere to all Supplemental Requirements stated in Attachment 2 to FA9451-18-S-0003 Call 002 and shall include this completed document either part of or an addendum to the proposed Statement of Work (SOW).

10.0 Government Furnished Property (GFP)

No GFP is anticipated to be provided for this Call.

11.0 ATTACHMENTS:

· USAF Weapon System Software Management Guide

· Military Handbook, MIL-HJDBK-61A

FA9451-18-S-0003 Call 0002 Attachment 1