Projectile Cavity Design for Stability and Drag Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing projectiles lack stability and accuracy across various velocities and weapons, with many designs failing to provide efficient and economical solutions for maintaining effectiveness in both military and sporting applications.
Innovation Solution
A projectile design featuring a cavity from the rear to a predetermined point forward, with specific proportions and dimensions that enhance rotational symmetry and balance, allowing for improved stability and accuracy by redistributing mass and utilizing a hollow internal cavity for better aerodynamics and gyroscopic control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a cavity is added to the projectile, then flight stability and accuracy are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the cavity's position (0.35-0.65 times projectile length from base), diameter (0.2-0.5 times base diameter), and depth (0.15-0.4 times projectile length) to optimize flight stability while maintaining manufacturing feasibility. These specific parameter ranges resolve the contradiction by finding the optimal balance between stability improvement and manufacturing complexity.
2Speed
If the projectile is designed for supersonic velocity, then speed is improved, but flight stability deteriorates due to transonic transition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a cavity with specific dimensional characteristics (diameter 0.2-0.5 times base diameter, depth 0.15-0.4 times projectile length) positioned at 0.35-0.65 times the projectile length from the base. This localized structural modification affects the projectile's aerodynamic properties specifically in the transonic regime, improving stability during the critical velocity transition while maintaining high-speed performance.
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
The design achieves superior flight stability and accuracy at both supersonic and subsonic velocities, reducing drag and maintaining velocity and energy for increased range and penetration, while being inexpensive to manufacture and maintain.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a hollow internal cavity for better aerodynamics and gyroscopic control
Implementation Method 2
with specific proportions and dimensions that enhance rotational symmetry and balance
Implementation Method 3
utilizing a hollow internal cavity for better aerodynamics
Implementation Method 4
maintaining velocity and energy for increased range and penetration
Data Source
AI summary
A projectile comprised of an ogive section, a bearing surface section and a boattail section. A cavity is formed inside the projectile from an aperture on the aft end of the boattail section and forward to about the transition point (shoulder) between the ogive section and bearing surface section. The cavity is centered about the centerline of the projectile and open on the aft end of the projectile.