First Principles Simulation: ARA’s deep expertise in the physical sciences was used to develop high-fidelity, first-principles simulation codes. For example, we have developed, and continue to maintain, national-level capabilities that simulate complex physical phenomena such as:

Subject matter experts at ARA also maintain and use COTS simulation packages and a suite of first-principle codes created by the DOE national laboratories.

M&S for Decision Support: ARA has developed operational software using engineering-based and empirically-derived models to provide rapid decision support in key national security areas such as combating weapons of mass destruction (WMD). ARA engineers and scientists have developed much of the theory and data behind modern weapon-target interaction models. Our models and simulations are used to research new weapon concepts and to validate weapon lethality against emerging target sets. The first instance of using a validated physical response model to simulate an air-to-surface weapon engagement with a hard target in a large-scale, HLA-based simulation was led by engineers from ARA and used ARA-developed models.

M&S Support Technologies: ARA engineers are experts in applying traditional and novel probabilistic methods to address random and systematic uncertainties. ARA’s staff has developed key components of the semi-automated forces (SAF) series of simulations, including human behaviors and terrain interrogation. We have developed ultra-efficient data representations, enabling more realistic physics models to be employed in simulations and making them more useful to the community. ARA leads in capabilities to rapidly create physical models of man-made structures for use in simulations. ARA’s leading edge technologists are developing new methods to exploit remote sensing data such as lidar and hyperspectral imagery, to automatically generate in real-time attributed terrain databases useful in many types of simulations. ARA scientists are domain experts in developing interoperable terrain databases ensuring a “fair-fight” between distributed virtual and constructive simulations.

M&S Applications: ARA uses campaign and force-on-force simulations to perform systems, trade, and parameter studies supporting a wide range of customers. For example, we use GOTS and COTS simulation tools to study the effectiveness of sensor configurations for persistent surveillance. ARA also leverages physics-based simulations for training applications. For example, ARA’s HumanSim™ combines state-of-the-art gaming technology with the leading human physiology simulator.