About the Research

The Applied Physics Branch of the US Army Research Laboratory (ARL) is looking for applicants to perform research supporting active armor concept development for combat vehicles. Active armor is a class of protection systems that engage as opposed to anticipate the threat. Subsystems consist of threat launch, detection, tracking, filtering, fire controls, and countermeasure (CM) engagement. The need for analytical tool development coupled with modeling and simulation (M&S) that assess various active systems/concepts/ configurations are required to inform Army technology developers and decision makers. This includes developing “simple” models that capture threat intercept geometry and kinematics specific to various CM configurations, semi-empirical models that capture “first-order” engagement physics for design optimization, and higher resolution efforts that identify promising attributes, configurations, and requirements.

Research may be chosen from one or more of the following areas: (1) M&S code functionality; (2) Intercept dynamics; (3) Sensor and tracking modeling; (4) Countermeasure M&S mechanics; (5) Model verification, validation, and uncertainty quantification; (6) Artificial intelligence based cooperative protection network for maximum survivability and minimum collateral damages.

Applicants for the research category should possess a B.S. or higher degree in applied math, computer science, physics, engineering or a related discipline and have C programming skills, MATLAB, Python, and/or knowledge in database design. All research will be performed at ARL-Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21005. All fellowships are open to U.S. Citizens only.

ARL Advisor: Stephan R. Bilyk

ARL Advisor Email: stephan.r.bilyk.civ@army.mil

About WMRD

The goals of the Weapons and Materials Research Directorate (WMRD) are to enhance the lethality and survivability of weapons systems, and to meet the soldier’s technology needs for advanced weaponry and protection. Research is pursued in energetic materials dynamics, propulsion/flight physics, projectile warhead mechanics, terminal effects phenomena, armor/survivability technologies, environmental chemistry, and advanced materials (energetic, metals, ceramics, polymers, composite/hybrids, and mechanics) for armor, armament, missiles, ground vehicles, helicopters, and individual soldier applications necessary for maintaining and ensuring supremacy in future land warfare.

About ARL-RAP

The Army Research Laboratory Research Associateship Program (ARL-RAP) is designed to significantly increase the involvement of creative and highly trained scientists and engineers from academia and industry in scientific and technical areas of interest and relevance to the Army. Scientists and Engineers at the CCDC Army Research Laboratory (ARL) help shape and execute the Army's program for meeting the challenge of developing technologies that will support Army forces in meeting future operational needs by pursuing scientific research and technological developments in diverse fields such as: applied mathematics, atmospheric characterization, simulation and human modeling, digital/optical signal processing, nanotechnology, material science and technology, multifunctional technology, combustion processes, propulsion and flight physics, communication and networking, and computational and information sciences. 

A complete application includes:

• Curriculum Vitae or Resume
• Three References Forms
  • An email with a link to the reference form will be available in Zintellect to the applicant upon completion of the on-line application. Please send this email to persons you have selected to complete a reference.
  • References should be from persons familiar with your educational and professional qualifications (include your thesis or dissertation advisor, if applicable)
• Transcripts
  • Transcript verifying receipt of degree must be submitted with the application. Student/unofficial copy is acceptable

If selected by an advisor the participant will also be required to write a research proposal to submit to the ARL-RAP review panel for :

• Research topic should relate to a specific opportunity at ARL (see Research Areas)
• The objective of the research topic should be clear and have a defined outcome
• Explain the direction you plan to pursue
• Include expected period for completing the study
• Include a brief background such as preparation and motivation for the research
• References of published efforts may be used to improve the proposal

A link to upload the proposal will be provided to the applicant once the advisor has made their selection.

Questions about this opportunity? Please email ARLFellowship@orau.org.