Abstract
This article aims to compare the different trajectories of a 155 mm artillery shell when changing the angle of its trailing edge, also known as boattail. To this end, an iterative numerical analysis computer program was developed where the differential equations of the projectile trajectory are solved with 4 degrees of freedom, that is, through the modified mass-point method. When solving the system of differential equations, the 4th order Runge-Kutta method is used. The trailing edge angle is a geometric characteristic that is directly related to the base drag force experienced by the ammunition. Furthermore, the magnitude of the drag force has a great influence on the firing range and this, in turn, is of great relevance for the development of a projectile. Drag coefficients for Mach numbers between 0.5 and 3.0 are obtained using the PRODAS ballistic calculation software. Each boattail angle generates a curve of drag coefficients as a function of Mach number. These values are then used as input data in the source code and thus the simulation can be performed. The results obtained are validated by existing data in the literature and highlight variations in trajectories, showing that the maximum range can be obtained by determining an ideal boattail angle.
Published Version
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