Surface Skimming Munition Thrust Vector and Stabilizing Planes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surface skimming munitions face inefficiencies in propulsion and stability due to high angles of attack and aerodynamic forces, especially in rough sea conditions, leading to loss of control and potential flipping during planing transients.
Innovation Solution
A surface skimming munition design featuring a hull with a traction propulsion motor, aft-directed nozzles, and a thrust vector control system, along with stabilizing planes that can move between stowed and deployed positions, and an active or passive feature for cavitation bubble formation to enhance propulsion and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the munition operates at high angles of attack during planing transients to achieve high speeds, then propulsion efficiency is improved, but aerodynamic forces and lift overwhelm control surfaces causing loss of stability
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizing planes are designed to be moveable between stowed and deployed positions, allowing the system to dynamically adjust its configuration based on operational conditions. During high-speed planing, the planes can be deployed to provide aerodynamic stability, while being stowed during launch or low-speed operations to minimize drag and interference.
2Speed
If conventional propellers or water jets are used for propulsion, then the munition can achieve high speeds in calm water, but the propellers become airborne between wave crests resulting in loss of propulsion efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a rocket motor with combustion chamber and aft-directed nozzles for propulsion, utilizing combustion gas dynamics rather than conventional propellers or water jets. This pneumatic/thrust-based propulsion system maintains efficiency across varying sea states by not relying on continuous water contact.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the angle of attack is increased relative to forward motion, then the munition can crest waves more effectively, but the control surfaces aerodynamically stall and lose effectiveness completely causing the munition to flip over
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizing planes are positioned and configured to provide preliminary aerodynamic stabilization before the munition encounters high-angle wave cresting conditions. This preliminary stabilization prevents the onset of aerodynamic stall on control surfaces by maintaining appropriate attitude during the transition to high-angle operations.
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 enables the munition to maintain stability and achieve high speeds while reducing drag, allowing it to skim efficiently on the water surface and penetrate waves without losing control, even in rough conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an active or passive feature located on the bow that initiates the formation of a cavitation bubble which allows the surface skimming munition to accelerate through to a supercaptivated state when submerged or penetrating waves
Implementation Method 2
accelerate through to a supercaptivated state
Implementation Method 3
a traction propulsion motor positioned in the hull and having a combustion chamber for combustion of a propellant
Data Source
AI summary
A surface skimming munition comprises a hull, a traction propulsion motor positioned in the hull and having a combustion chamber for combustion of a propellant, at least one aft directed nozzle coupled to the hull at a position forward of a center of gravity of the hull and comprising an inlet section and an outlet section, the inlet section in fluid communication with the combustion chamber and the outlet section directing combustion gas received from the combustion chamber through the inlet section in the aft direction, and at least one stabilizing plane coupled to the hull and moveable between a stowed position and a deployed position.