Yawing Motion of a Bullet After Penetrating a Thin Plate

Abstract

When a bullet penetrates a thin plate and emerges relatively undamaged, the period of the subsequent yawing motion can be predicted from a knowledge of the physical constants of the bullet, the spin, the density of the medium after penetration and the static moment coefficient. The equations used to predict this motion are given. Several examples of the predicted motion are compared with empirical data. The effects on the period and the magnitude of yaw of small changes in the bullet characteristics due to impact on the plate are discussed, emphasizing the importance of obtaining sufficient data to describe the complete yaw period and sufficient information on the physical integrity of the bullet after impact. The importance of imparting the correct bullet spin when simulating real down-range test conditions is discussed. A comparison of test data taken under different spin conditions is given.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 01, 1969
Accession Number
AD0853845

Entities

People

  • Walter F. Braun

Organizations

  • Ballistic Research Laboratory

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aerodynamic Characteristics
  • Coefficients
  • Equations
  • Flight
  • Free Flight
  • Gun Muzzles
  • Inertia
  • Measurement
  • Moment Of Inertia
  • Muzzle Velocity
  • Orientation (Direction)
  • Photography
  • Projectiles
  • Simulations
  • Small Arms
  • Trajectories
  • Transverse

Readers

  • Marine Hydrodynamics
  • Marksmanship and Weaponry.
  • Systems Analysis and Design