CBRNE - Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear
and Explosive
This
group at AES concentrates on modeling and simulation (M&S)
activities for a wide variety of complex scenarios, most recently
concentrating on terrorist situations and counterproliferation.
High-fidelity computer models and analytical codes are used to
provide cost-effective answers to "what if" questions.
An
extensive array of computer codes is used to simulate each of the
aspects involved in these analyses: atmospheric transport modeling,
blast and impact dynamics, structural response, and agent release
modeling. There is also a range of simplified models that can be
used to perform parameter studies and provide rapid, realistic
assessments of mechanical loading and response situations in a
cost-effective manner.
While these capabilities have been applied to a number of
conventional engineering problems, the main application for these
models is in counterproliferation, force protection, anti-terrorist,
and weapon system safety assessment studies.
Recent events make clear that an attack employing chemical and
biological agents has moved from being a potential threat to a
reality. The continuing danger of a chem/bio attack and the ability
to detect these agents early is critical to the safety of U.S.
military and civilian populations. The development and deployment of
advanced sensor technology from AES to provide defense against a
chem/bio attack is a key element in the U.S. defense strategy.
AES experience in chem/bio sensors stems from a legacy of arms
control work performed for government agencies in verifying the
chemical and biological weapons conventions. Through that work, AES
scientists and engineers have supported R&D efforts for nuclear,
biological, and chemical (NBC) sensor technology and have a long
history in working on systems to detect chemical or biological
agents in complex matrixes at very low concentrations.
The
Defense Threat Reduction Information Analysis Center is the key
Department of Defense source of information and analysis on nuclear
and conventional weapons-related topics. Sponsored by the Defense
Threat Reduction Agency, DTRIAC has major reference collections of
documents and photographic data, and can search, retrieve and
perform analyses on internal and community-wide nuclear/conventional
weapons phenomena, effects and technology matters and related
nuclear/conventional technology transfer applications.
AES
operates DTRIAC and is responsible for maintaining DTRA's collection
and overseeing DARE. DARE preserves data (reports/documents,
photographs, film, waveforms, tables, and diagrams) and the
knowledge of the experts in a single, readily accessible database,
effectively archiving these diverse data forms while providing users
with data access via search engines, online data analysis tools, and
a data ordering system DARE has significantly improved and
streamlined ways the entire community can generate, collect,
preserve, retrieve, analyze, and distribute special weapon effects
and related scientific and technical information.
Nuclear Weapons Effects and Hardening: Weapons Effects Simulators,
SGEMP, Aboveground and Underground Testing, Thermo-Structural
Response. This group of physicists and engineers has an extensive
background and proven track record in supporting both underground
and aboveground nuclear testing. AES has been an active participant
in most nuclear tests performed by the US, and has also been
actively involved in the design, development, and application of
nuclear weapon effects simulators across the country to allow
evaluation of military and commercial systems in severe
electromagnetic and load environments. Our capabilities include an
extensive testing background, focusing on data collection, data
recording, and gage development and application to support
definition and documentation of weapon effects and system response.
Our primary studies of nuclear weapons effects and system response
fall into two broad areas:
 Electromagnetic
Effects and Hardening
Thermo-Structural
Response
Recent events make clear that an attack employing chemical and
biological agents has moved from being a potential threat to a
reality. The continuing danger of a chem/bio attack and the ability
to detect these agents in the environment is critical to the safety
of U.S. military and civilian populations. AES scientists and
engineers have a long history in working on systems to detect
chemical or biological agents in complex matrixes at very low
concentrations.
AES is developing and building new technologies for sensing,
monitoring, and mapping chemical and biological contamination using
technologies that include LIDAR (light detection and ranging), DIAL
- Differential Absorption LIDAR, and LISA (Laser Interrogation of
Surface Agents).
In a
world where the battlefield is asymmetrical, there is a need for
both military and civilian personnel – from first responders to
soldiers in a forward battlefield environment - to be able to test
new sensor technologies and train to deal with a chemical or
biological attack. AES is a leading developer of high-fidelity
simulation and training products for the nuclear, biological, and
chemical (NBC) defense community and has developed training systems
for every major U.S. NBC reconnaissance platform.
AES
simulation and training expertise includes:
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Sensor performance modeling for chem/bio events |
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Development of battlefield tactics for chem/bio
sensors |
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Training systems including the Close Combat
Tactical Trainer (CCTT) FOX simulator |
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The development of situational awareness tools
for Restoration of Operations (RESTOPS) |
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Virtual prototyping |
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Counter-proliferation modeling and simulation |
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Agent transport modeling |
Proactive Homeland Defense is only possible if various threats can
be identified before they reach their target. Specific Emitter
Identification (SEI) provides a means to identify a segment of those
threats and thus provides authorities an advantage in a tactical
situation.
AES, in its history of supporting the DOD, has played a key
role in the development of systems to collect, analyze, and catalog
RADAR emissions. This support includes design and development such
as:
Parameterization
algorithms and analysis support
Custom, wideband
antenna feeds
Antenna systems
for land, sea, and air platforms
Embedded
processing for antenna control
Ruggedized ATR enclosures
High speed, IF
Digitizer circuitry
Front end
receivers built with MMIC technology
Installation and
training support
National security is enhanced by our nation's global strategic
nuclear deterrent capabilities. AES has long been a leader in
providing technical support for US Navy, US DOE/NNSA (National
Nuclear Security Administration), and United Kingdom strategic
systems programs. AES has an extensive background and sustained
technical expertise in understanding nuclear weapons effects,
defining hostile nuclear environments requirements and in assessing
the survivability, accuracy, and effectiveness of the weapon system
in nuclear environments.
AES provides operational support to Strategic Systems Programs
and Naval Sea Systems Command by applying expertise in nuclear
safety and security, radiological health, radiation control,
training, inspections, and systems analysis. This expertise is
critical as the US extends the service life of deployed strategic
weapons systems. AES technical and operational know-how is
invaluable during the development engineering phase of refurbished
systems to assure that the safety, reliability, and effectiveness of
the systems are maintained.
AES identifies and evaluates existing and future technologies
in the industrial base that support the extended service life of the
strategic systems. This is accomplished in part by assuring that
specific technologies and analytical capabilities for assessing the
vulnerability and hardening of the strategic system are sustained
and enhanced. AES takes great pride in their role in programs so
important for the nation's defense.
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