A Numerical Analysis of the In-Bore Motion of Small Caliber Projectiles

Abstract

Finite Element simulations have become a popular tool to investigate the mechanisms of launch dynamics. However, the common techniques for evaluating the simulation results in terms of target impact accuracy are far from ideal. This paper presents a method for the postprocessing of such simulations. The approach is based on a decomposition of the bullet's transverse motion during launch into a regular rotation caused by the rifling, irregular oscillations (balloting) and muzzle motion. Target impact dispersion is evaluated separately for each of these motion components, which provides a deeper understanding of the dynamic processes determining the weapon's hit performance. In contrast to traditional methods, where the assessment of dispersion requires large numbers of simulations with varying launch conditions, the evaluation of accuracy is based on a single simulation.

Dynamic analysis of bullet in-bore motion coupled with barrel temperature field

“…Yang [9] obtained the mechanical property parameters of the barrel material and the copper jacket material of the bullet through high temperature tensile test, and established the finite element model of the engraving of bullet in the whole barrel. Bernd [10] proposed a post-processing method for in-bore motion simulation. The method is based on the decomposition of the lateral motion of the bullet during firing into regular rotation caused by rifling, irregular oscillations (voting) and muzzle motion.…”