A New Approach to Aeroelastic Response, Stability and Loads of Missiles and Projectiles
Abstract
A current trend in the development of missiles is in the direction of more flexibility, higher maneuverability, and higher speeds, all of which require a higher level of fidelity for calculations of stability, loads, control, and guidance. To address these issues, the present interdisciplinary basic research was conducted involving structural analysis, dynamics, dynamic stability, aeroelastic stability, and trajectory analysis of missiles, rockets, and projectiles. A computer code for the dynamic stability, structural dynamics and aeroelastic response of the missile has been written using a geometrically exact, mixed finite element method. The aerodynamic modeling of the loading for the missile body and fins is based on slender body theory and thin-airfoil theory, respectively. Results agree with published results for dynamic stability in addition to limit cycle oscillations for disturbed flight near and above the critical thrust. Parametric studies for specific flexible missile configurations are presented, including effects of flexibility on stability, limit-cycle amplitudes, and missile loads. Although results indicate little potential for affecting aeroelastic stability by use of composite couplings, they do exhibit significant interaction between aeroelastic effects and the thrust, a follower force.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA424568
Entities
People
- Dewey H. Hodges
Organizations
- Georgia Tech