Inviscid aerodynamic predictions of hypersonic elliptical projectiles: a comparative study of the effects of stabilizing surfaces

Abstract

With the advent of "smart" munitions, the US and its allies are attempting to design more accurate tactical weapons. Of interest are relatively inexpensive barrel-launched projectiles capable of accuracy associated with guided munitions. This research studies potential configurations for a new class of kinetic energy projectiles. From past research, it has been shown that projectiles with elliptical cross-sections are more stable in flight than those with circular cross-sections. This research looks at one particular shape, an elliptical cone, and numerically predicts the aerodynamic attributes in inviscid, steady, hypersonic flow. In particular, the effects of different stabilizing surface configurations are evaluated. A residual benefit of this research is to show that ZEUS, an afterbody solver typically used for missile design, is capable of providing solutions for these configurations. The findings of this research will be delivered to the Chief, Aerodynamics Branch, Army Research Laboratory, and will fulfill part of ARL's commitment in a Key Technical Area agreement with the research laboratories of our allies.