The U.S. Army Research Laboratory (ARL) Weapons and Materials Research Directorate (WMRD) conducts experiments, analysis, software development, and verification, validation, and accreditation (VV&A) activities to support fundamental research in understanding the loading and response of blast and penetrator mines on vehicles under various conditions. DSIAC assisted WRMD’s efforts to increase the platform survivability and the development of vulnerability-reduction features by providing the following:
- Modeling and simulation (M&S) support by conducting finite element analysis to study blast and/or penetrator effects and design guidelines.
- Experimental support.
- Literature searches of past mine/improvised explosive device work conducted throughout the U.S. Department of Defense and foreign partners.
- Technical advice and expertise in design and analysis issues.
- Computer-aided design support to enhance and streamline M&S development.
- Support for materials studies and analyses.
- Support to the Blast Institute suite of tools.
A wide range (in size and weight) of vehicles was studied and evaluated, with the goal of providing the Army with complete vehicle underbody survivability.