A Method for Extracting the Sabot Discard Impulse from Transitional Ballistic Data
Abstract
An important factor determining the launch precision of a long-rod penetrator is the mechanical and aerodynamic disengagement of the sabot petals during the transitional ballistic launch phase. For certain sabot/penetrator systems, as much as one-third of the jump and dispersion can be attributed directly to the mechanical interaction. As long-rod penetrators increase in length, thus requiring longer and more flexible sabot petals, the discard interaction is amplified. The mechanical disengagement point moves away from the penetrator center of gravity, increasing the magnitude of asymmetric angular disturbances. This report proposes a mathematical model which describes the linear and angular motion of a kinetic energy penetrator during sabot discard. It is based on the equations governing the planar free-flight motion of a symmetric missile with an added impulsive loading. The model is incorporated into a non-linear least-squares fitting routine that is used to fit transitional ballistic data and extract the magnitude, direction, and duration of the sabot discard disturbances. Transitional ballistic data for a 120 mm sabot/penetrator projectile is fitted and the results indicate the model adequately captured the basic physics of the impulsive sabot discard disturbances. The information on the impulsive discard focuses can be used to design future sabot/penetrator launch systems.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA238749
Entities
People
- Peter Plostins
Organizations
- Ballistic Research Laboratory