Determination of Aerodynamic Characteristics of Ballistic Projectiles at Transonic Speeds
Abstract
The development of a predictive method for determining the steady inviscid aerodynamic behavior of ballistic projectiles throughout the transonic range is reported. The development has been directed toward establishing the theoretical capability for predicting the static stability characteristics of both the standard conical boattail projectiles as well as a variety of new nonaxisymmetric boattail shapes under study by the U.S. Army. The theoretical procedure employs the classical transonic equivalence rule together with a new loading calculation method which is based on apparent mass concepts and makes use of the nonlinear equivalence rule flow solutions. Theoretical results for surface pressures, loadings, and static aerodynamic characteristics are presented throughout the transonic range for a variety of projectiles. Comparisons are made both with other theoretical methods as well as with experimental results and verify the accuracy of the procedure. Future extension and application of the overall procedure to missile stability and performance is suggested and discussed.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 14, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADA111772
Entities
People
- Stephen S. Stahara
Organizations
- Nielsen Engineering & Research (United States)