Front Borerider Design Considerations for a Large-Caliber, Hypervelocity Kinetic Energy (KE) Projectile.
Abstract
There has been increased interest within the ballistic community to investigate the benefits of launching kinetic energy (KE) projectiles at hypervelocities, velocities in excess of 2 km/s. To facilitate such investigations, KE projectile designers have begun to employ 7-in cannons to achieve the higher desired velocities. Use of such large-bore guns results in increased aerodynamic loading on the front borerider scoop. Test firings of the AF4 7-in projectile resulted in catastrophic sabot failure upon muzzle exit. Based on these test data, a detailed investigation of the aerodynamic loads expected on a 7-in projectile launched at 2.4 km/s was undertaken as part of the Ballistics for Future Systems (BFUS) program. Three-dimensional finite element analysis techniques were used to determine the benefits of incorporating holes into the front borerider scoop. The benefits of utilizing splines were also examined. The result of this work is a design for a structurally robust, large-caliber, hypervelocity KE projectile.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1995
- Accession Number
- ADA292843
Entities
People
- Christopher J. Jaeger
- Lawrence W. Burton
Organizations
- United States Army Research Laboratory