Lanchester attrition of interpenetrating forces

To approximate the solutions of detailed simulations of interpenetrating forces (or possibly to assist in curtailing Monte Carlo calculations), this article provides solutions to a simple problem assuming that the speed of advance is constant; the only interactions are local; Lanchester’s linear or square law applies; force distributions are continuous if not initially uniform in depth. The resultant partial differential equations are solvable (1) in closed form if attrition is minimal or (2) with pain when attrition is sufficient to annihilate the leading edge of a force. This is exemplified only for the square law, where one must solve an integrodifferential equation for an ancillary function. A general solution is given for either law, and for the latter case a more complete one, assuming that initial force distributions are uniform. Useful properties of an unusual class of Bessel functions needed for this analysis are given in an appendix. Copies of computer programs are available.