ADVANCED BALLISTIC CONTROL ACTUATION SCHEMES
- DESCRIPTION
-
The goal of this project is to provide a clear picture of the relationship between controls,
aerodynamics and flight performance of fixed-trim guided munitions. The core of the project
involves the investigation of the underlying aerodynamics through the creation of computational
fluid dynamic (CFD) models of various configurations. The 5 inch diameter, 26 inch long spin
stabilized artillery projectiles under investigation operate in both transonic and supersonic flight
regimes and exhibit dynamics sensitive to the spin induced boundary layer displacement, known
as the Magnus effect. These flowfield characteristics require careful modeling which pushes the
limits of current CFD capabilities. The relationship between the aerodynamic characteristics and
dynamic behavior of fixed-trim control actuation schemes is investigated through use of dynamic
models.
- PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATORS
-
E. Feron, G. Covert
- RESEARCH ASSISTANTS
-
S. George (segeorge@mit.edu) and A.M. Budge (ambudge@mit.edu)
- LINKS
- C.S. Draper Laboratory