Developments in Advanced, Physics-based Modelling and Simulation Techniques in the Realm of Defence and Security at Dstl

Daniel Pope

Technical Fellow

Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl)

(This has been a keynote presentation at the NAFEMS World Congress 2023.)

To gain a strategic advantage in the field of Defence and Security, Dstl develops advanced modelling and simulation techniques to predict the effects of blast, ballistic, and directed energy threats on a range of military platforms and metropolitan environments. This unclassified presentation describes the key considerations and applied modelling techniques adopted when simulating these scenarios. Particular focus is placed on key aspects such as model parametrisation and validation as well as the use of Machine Learning and stochastic techniques as part of the generation of Synthetic Environments capable of probabilistic, physics-based simulation.

Daniel Pope is a Technical Fellow within the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), a government-based agency undertaking Science & Technology research on behalf of the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) and other government parties. He is currently responsible for Modelling and Simulation Strategy within the Platform Systems Division in Dstl. This covers techniques across a comprehensive taxonomy from Physics Simulation via Systems Modelling and Mission Effectiveness to Campaign Analysis.

Daniel has almost 30 years of experience in the Physics Modelling of Terminal Effects, focussing mainly on the interaction of blast and ballistic threats with military and civilian platforms. He leads a capability responsible for undertaking research in the following areas:

• Multiscale modelling techniques for tailoring the performance of advanced materials
• Machine learning-based approaches for characterisation and optimisation of numerical models
• Use of detailed physics simulation for probabilistic assessment with a view to improving confidence in consequence analysis and reducing design safety factors
• Development of physics-related synthetic environments and digital twins associated with Test and Evaluation
• Development of new modelling approaches for game-changing effector technologies in the fields of energetics, directed energy weapons, and autonomous platforms
• Use of physics simulation in the development of Fast Running Engineering Models for implementation into systems-level applications

He is Visiting Professor at both Imperial College London and the University of Sheffield and a Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers in the UK.