Modeling Terrain Effects on Non-Strategic Nuclear Weapons
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Authors
O'Connor, Michael
Dugger, Zachary
Withenbury, Alexander
Issue Date
2024-05-02
Type
Journal articles
Language
Keywords
Non-Strategic Nuclear Weapons , Wargames , Simulation , Viewshed , Mathematical Sciences Center
Alternative Title
Abstract
Building upon previous work, this project improved an existing simulation program for the tactical employment of
non-strategic nuclear weapons by improving its predictive damage equations and incorporating shielding effects of terrain.
Using data from the United States Geological Survey, this research created a sub-routine within the model to determine if there
is a line of sight between detonation location and a potential target, adjusting the predicted damage accordingly. We found that
this addition could have a significant impact on casualty estimates. However, the increased runtime had a detrimental effect on
the usability of the estimate. The improved model will provide battlefield commanders with more accurate casualty estimates
during wargames and will increase mission readiness for a nuclear battlefield. Further research should focus on increasing the
efficiency of the simulation.
Description
Citation
O’Connor, Michael, Zachary Dugger, and Alexander Withenbury. “Modeling Terrain Effects on Non-Strategic Nuclear Weapons.” Proceedings of the 2024 General Donald R. Keith Memorial Capstone Conference, May 2, 2024. https://www.ieworldconference.org/content/WP2024/Papers/GDRKMCC24_57.pdf.
Publisher
Society for Industrial and Systems Engineering