Numerical and Semi-empirical Prediction of Zero-Lift Drag Coefficient of a Small Caliber Spinning Projectile: A Comparative Investigation
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63746/njtd.v22i5.3294Keywords:
Spinning projectile, drag, CFD, aerodynamics, numerical simulation, semi-empiricalAbstract
This paper focuses on a comparative performance evaluation of the numerical and semi-empirical methods in predicting the zero-lift drag of a generic spinning projectile, namely, the 5.69mm BRL-1 projectile. The numerical simulations of the flow around the projectile were conducted using Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes equations with Shear Stress Transport k-ω turbulence model. The simulation results were validated comparing against existing experimental data. The McCoy method was applied for semi-empirical prediction of zero-lift drag of the projectile. The pressure drag, skin friction drag and base drag components of the total aerodynamic drag of the projectile at various Mach numbers were also investigated in this study. The aerodynamic drags obtained using numerical and semi-empirical methods were compared to show strengths and shortcomings of each approach. The average difference between numerical and experimental zero-lift drag coefficients is 1.74%, while the corresponding value for semi-empirical and experimental zero-lift drag coefficients is 5.31%.
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