A mathematical theory for variable-coefficient Lanchester-type equations of 'modern warfare'
By: by James G. Taylor and Gerald G. Brown
Contributors: Brown, Gerald G.; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Publisher: Naval Postgraduate School
Published: 1974
Place of publication: Monterey, California
Language: eng
Number of pages: 44
Subjects: Mathematical models; Tactics; Combat
Description: A mathematical theory is developed for the analytic solution to deterministic Lanchester-type 'square-law' attrition equations for combat between two homogeneous forces with temporal variations in system effectiveness (as expressed by the Lanchester attrition-rate coefficient). Particular attention is given to solution in terms of tabulated functions. For this purpose Lanchester functions are introduced and their mathematical properties that facilitate solution given. The above theory is applied to the following cases: (1) lethality of each side's fire proportional to a power of time, and (2) lethality of each side's fire linear with time but a nonconstant ratio of these. By considering the force-ratio equation, the classical Lanchester square law is generalized to variable-coefficient cases in which it provides a 'local' condition of 'winning.'
Notes: Title from cover.

"Partial report for period May 1974 - November 1974"--Cover.

"Prepared for: Office of Naval Research, Arlington, Virginia 22217"--Cover.

"November 1974"--Cover.

"NPS55TW74111"--Cover.

Author(s) key words: Lanchester theory of combat, combat dynamics, deterministic combat attrition.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 37-39).

"Approved for public release; distribution unlimited"--Cover.

Technical report; May 1974 - November 1974.

ck/ 9/29/09.