Mathematical Model to Simulate the Trajectory Elements of an Artillery Projectile Proof Shot

Research paper. Defence Science Journal, Vol. 57, No. 1, January 2007, pp. 139-148In external ballistics of a conventional spin-stabilised artillery projectile, there are a number of trajectory models developed for computing trajectory elements having varying degrees of complexity. The present study attempts to propose a single mathematical model, viz., simplified point-mass/simple particle trajectory model to simulate the trajectory elements of a typical spinstabilised flat-head artillery projectile proof shot. Due to difficulties in the projectile shape and size, and the complicated nature of air resistance, an accurate mathematical prediction of the trajectory is difficult. To simplify the computations, the governing equations of motion of the projectile have been simplified and assumed that the projectile is a particle and the only forces acting on the projectile are drag and gravity. With this model, trajectory elements have been generated and compared with experimental results obtained in the field test. The measuring instrument used in this case is a Doppler radar.