Mortar Bomb Drag Reduction via Upstream Diameter Shift
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mortar bomb firing generates overpressure effects that can be detrimental to people and objects nearby, requiring additional protective equipment and increasing operational complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
The mortar bomb is redesigned with a reduced drag profile by moving the maximum diameter upstream of the obturating ring groove and modifying the shape downstream to reduce air pressure drag, allowing for a longer range with the same charge or maintaining range with reduced charge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the charge is reduced to lower overpressure effects, then the safety for people and objects is improved, but the firing range of the mortar bomb is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the mortar bomb by relocating the maximum diameter upstream of the obturating ring groove and modifying the downstream shape. This parameter change reduces aerodynamic drag, allowing the bomb to maintain its firing range even when the propellant charge is reduced to lower overpressure effects at the firing location.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs curved surface design in the modified mortar bomb profile, particularly in the transition zones created by moving the maximum diameter and reshaping the downstream portion. These curved geometries reduce flow separation and drag, enabling efficient flight with reduced propellant charge while maintaining range.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If additional protective equipment is used to shield people from overpressure effects, then the protection level is improved, but the operational complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful overpressure effect into a beneficial outcome by redesigning the mortar bomb to reduce drag. The modified profile allows the same propellant charge to produce less overpressure while maintaining or extending firing range, thereby protecting personnel without requiring additional protective equipment or procedures.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the charge is reduced to reduce overpressure effects, then the safety is improved, but the firing range is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the mortar bomb by relocating the maximum diameter upstream of the obturating ring groove and modifying the downstream shape. This parameter change reduces aerodynamic drag, allowing the bomb to maintain its firing range even when the propellant charge is reduced to lower overpressure effects at the firing location.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This redesign significantly reduces overpressure effects, allowing for safer operation without additional equipment and increasing the mortar bomb's range, while maintaining compatibility with existing firing apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
a mortar bomb re-designed or re-shaped to have reduced drag, thereby allowing the (i.e. a typical) mortar bomb to travel further (i.e. have a longer range) when used with the same charge
Data Source
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AI summary
According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a mortar bomb, comprising: a main body; a nose; a tail extending from the main body, away from the nose; an obturating ring groove for accommodating, in use, an obturating ring, the ring groove being located in the main body; wherein a maximum diameter of the main body is upstream of the ring groove, toward the nose.