Recent applications of CFD to the aerodynamics of army projectiles at the U.S. Army Ballistic Research Laboratory

Abstract

Greek Symbols The ability to predict the compete set of aerodynamic. performance parameters for projectile configurations has been a stated goal of the Computational Aerodynamics Branch, U.S. Army Ballistic Research Laboratory. In order to achieve this goal, predictive capabilities which utilize Navier-Stokes computational techniques have been developed and applied to an extensive number of projectile configurations. A summary of code validation efforts and applications for both spin stabilized and fin stabilized projectile configurations are described. Significant progress in the predictive capability for projectile aerodynamics has been achieved due to the availability of substantial supercomputer resources and modern computational techniques. Current and future research areas of interest are described and provide an indication of computer resources and code enhancements needed to continue the progress in projectile computational aerodynamics. a = angle of attack P = density Subscripts m = free-stream conditions b = base W = body surface values oinj = injected gas