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Article
Publication date: 8 May 2018

Cédric Decrocq, Bastien Martinez, Marie Albisser, Simona Dobre, Patrick Gnemmi, Yannick Bailly and Jean-Claude Roy

The present paper deals with weapon aerodynamics and aims to describe preliminary studies that were conducted for developing the next generation of long-range guided ammunition…

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Abstract

Purpose

The present paper deals with weapon aerodynamics and aims to describe preliminary studies that were conducted for developing the next generation of long-range guided ammunition. Over history, ballistic research scientists were constantly investigating new artillery systems capable of overcoming limitations of range, accuracy and manoeuvrability. While futuristic technologies are increasingly under development, numerous issues concerning current powdered systems still need to be addressed. In this context, the present work deals with the design and the optimization of a new concept of long-range projectile with regard to multidisciplinary fields, including flight scenario, steering strategy, mechanical actuators or size of payload.

Design/methodology/approach

Investigations are conducted for configurations that combine existing full calibre 155 mm guided artillery shell with a set of lifting surfaces. As the capability of the ammunition highly depends on lifting surfaces in terms of number, shape or position, a parametric study has to be conducted for determining the best aerodynamic architecture. To speed-up this process, initial estimations are conducted thanks to low computational cost methods suitable for preliminary design requirements, in terms of time, accuracy and flexibility. The WASP code (Wing-Aerodynamic-eStimation-for-Projectiles) has been developed for rapidly predicting aerodynamic coefficients (static and dynamic) of a set of lifting surfaces fitted on a projectile fuselage, as a function of geometry and flight conditions, up to transonic velocities.

Findings

In the present study, WASP predictions at Mach 0.7 of both normal force and pitching moment coefficients are assessed for two configurations.

Originality/value

Analysis is conducted by gathering results from WASP, computational-fluid-dynamics (CFD) simulations, wind-tunnel experiments and free-flight tests. Obtained results demonstrate the ability of WASP code to be used for preliminary design steps.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 28 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

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