HYPERVELOCITY LAUNCH DYNAMICS

The launch dynamics from a generic hypervelocity cannon are considered over the velocity range from 1500 through 3500 m/s. Both fin and flar e stabilized projectiles are examined for the influence of in-bore dyn amics, muzzle blast, sabot discard, and free flight aerodynamics upon their trajectory. Computations are performed using codes developed and validated for conventional cannon with ordnance muzzle velocities (ap proximately 1700 m/s). While the extension into the hypervelocity regi me is not supported by experimental data, this initial study is intend ed to aid in defining potential problem areas.