Benchmark Tests and Analyses for Ordnance Fragmentation and Propagation Models

Two models were developed at the U.S. Army Research Laboratory to enhance predictive techniques for propagation between ammunition stacks. For a mass-detonating ammunition stack, the FragProp model predicts probabilities of reaction in the energetic components of neighboring stacks by means of primary fragments as a function of distance between the stacks. An adjunct model, FragGen, was developed to estimate primary fragments from thin-walled warheads and detonable rocket motors. In order to increase confidence in the predictions from these models, benchmark tests were conducted. These include propagation tests with pallets of 155-mm M107 projectiles and arena fragmentation tests with Hellfire missiles and 155-mm M864 ICM projectiles. The test results are analyzed and compared with predictions from the models.