Study of Trajectory of Spin-Stabilised Artillery Projectiles

Abstract

Equations of motion for conventional spin-stabilised artillery projectile have been derived using a pseudo-stability axes system in addition to body-fixed and space-fixed axes systems. The aerodynamic forces and moments have been represented by their respective coefficients and the effects of Mach number and Reynolds number have been suitably accounted. The magnus terms which are significant at high rates of spin are estimated using a simple model. The set of equations have been partly linearised and solved numerically for a typical projectile using NAG system routines. Various trajectory parameters are computed and compared with the range-table data for the projectile. A parametric study had been carried out varying the aerodynamic coefficients to understand the sensitivity of the results obtained.