Adisak Showichen, Amer Hameed, Michael J. Iremonger, and John G. Hetherington
A brief literature review of anti-tank mines and relevant theories is described in this paper. A numerical simulation of a single plate subjected to blast loading in the air, was developed using LS-DYNA and compared with the available experimental results. There appeared to be good correlation between the two, considering that there were many variables that could influence the results. Double-plate structure simulations with an air-filled gap subjected to mine blast were then developed. The experimental and numerical simulation results have shown that using air between the two plates has little influence on either plate (in this work, air is not restrained). The bottom plate deforms mainly due to the impact of the top plate, which deforms more than the gap between the two plates. The simulation without air may then be used as a cheaper alternative. In addition, the numerical results, using CONWEP loading, seemed to be comparable with the experimental results. This analysis has provided skills necessary for future study into the development of numerical simulations in LS-DYNA, which will be crucial for modelling more complex structures.
N. Siva Prasad1*, T. Chella Ganesan, P.V. Venkatesan and Swarna Ramesh
This paper presents the synthesis of the lever arm of a gun positioning system in main battle tank (MBT). The main gun in any MBT is controlled by a gun positioning system (GPS). Most of the contemporary MBTs use a hydraulic actuator as a drive for elevation/depression of the main gun. The Gun Positioning System (GPS) can be idealized as a four-bar mechanism. The position of the actuator mounting decides the link dimensions and hence the variation of force during elevation and depression. Since the gun position varies from 20 (elevation) to 9 (depression) for the case under consideration, the force required to move the gun varies during elevation and depression due to change of length in the links of the mechanism. In order to improve the system performance it is essential to minimize the variation in the input force with respect to the gun position. The problem has been solved using analytical method and with a virtual prototyping approach. The results obtained are compared between the two methods. The virtual prototyping approach provides effective solution with 3D visualization and hence can be pursued.
David H. Cropley, Noel Sproles, and Stephen C. Cook
This paper addresses the question “what is the Science of Command and Control (C2)?” by first defining the three key perspectives that cover that which comprises C2, and by examining the system-level properties of these three perspectives in combination. The paper then analyses the concept of a ‘science’ of C2 by extracting the core components of a science: an organised body of knowledge and the process of acquiring that body of knowledge. In addition to these, the paper recognises the role that the application of the ‘science’ plays in advancing the state of understanding of C2. The paper then uses the definition of the science of C2 to formulate a general matrix for understanding C2 research programs. The paper closes by studying examples of extant research placed in this matrix. The result is a comprehensive definition of the science of C2 and a tool for understanding C2 research.
Anthony Dekker
The topic of C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) architectures is of enduring importance for military operations. This is particularly so given the current interest in Network Centric Warfare (NCW) [1] and the increasing requirement for new kinds of Operations Other Than War (OOTW) in complex and urban terrain.
Brendan Kellaway and Mark A. Richardson
This paper is the third in a series on laser technology. The focus is primarily the Ground Based Air Defence (GBAD) scenario but is applicable to other ground, air and maritime environments. The purpose of the series is to investigate a viable technique, which may be used for the identification of GBAD Targets. Part 1 introduced and described areas of laser technology, which are commonplace on the modern battlefield. Part 2 discussed laser safety, factors effecting laser performance and Ladar. The calculations shown demonstrated Ladar’s potential as a long range (>10 km), 24-hour, all-weather imaging capability, if it is accurately cued. Part 3 examines Burst Illumination Laser (BIL), which is the chosen technique for the GBAD target identification problem. A method of calculating BIL performance is shown and the results from the authors’ calculation tool are summarised.
Scott B.R. Wheeler
This study presents two practical approaches to assisting military staff plan for effects on the battlefield. First, a calculator tool for the effects of known indirect-fire weapons systems upon targets is provided. The method in which effects are calculated is based on Australian and United States military doctrine. Using this tool, staff are able to evaluate the effects produced upon targets without consulting tables of ammunition effects or performing complicated calculations. Second, a practical solution to the problem of allocating these indirect-fire weapons systems to targets in order to produce desired effects is discussed. In solving this problem, it is not assumed that targets are necessarily detected, identified or recognised. A sequence of Monte Carlo simulations is conducted to predict the nature of the effects produced. No judgement is made on the relative merits of the effects produced in any of the possible allocations. Hence, the Weapons Effects Prediction software assists, but does not replace, military staff in planning for effects on the battlefield.
Denis R. Shine
Long-term planning for the army is inherently difficult due to the uncertain nature of future warfighting. Force structures have much potential for change in the ten- to twenty-year timeframe. Because of this uncertainty, investigation within the long-term timeframe must be undertaken using a generic approach, using ‘conceptual forces’ instead of structuring them around present paradigms.
