TRAJECTORY OPTIMIZATION AND AERODYNAMIC MODELING OF LONG RANGE MORPHING PROJECTILES

The use of pattern search and gradient-based optimization methods to deter-mine optimal geometries of morphing guided unpowered projectiles are examined. An investigation of continuously varying geometries vs. discrete-point morphing concepts is performed. A detailed aerodynamic analysis, applicable to a wide ight envelope, is coupled with a trajectory simulation program for use within the opti-mization schemes. Optimal projectile geometries that give maximum range subject to the constraints of static stability and trimmed conditions were then determined. Deployment of a single optimum geometry set of wings and canards at apogee pro-vided a 98.6 % increase in range over the baseline projectile conguration. Dual geometry and continuous morphing schemes increased the range over the baseline geometry by an additional 3.4 % and 12.1 % respectively. The trade off between range and morphing complexity showed that deployment of a single optimized geometry was the most benecial for unguided unpowered 155mm projectiles