Short answer

When designing penetrating projectiles for naval targets, focus on optimizing the projectile's approach and impact point relative to structural features like stiffeners, as this has a greater impact on penetration performance than rotational speed.

Field: Final Production
Source: Journal of Engineering (2021)
Method: Numerical simulation using Finite Element Analysis (FEA).
Evidence: Moderate effect

The rotational speed of a penetrating missile has a less significant effect on its precession penetration capabilities compared to other factors. This final production research insight is drawn from a 2021 study published in Journal of Engineering. Using Numerical simulation using finite element analysis (fea)., researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: When designing penetrating projectiles for naval targets, focus on optimizing the projectile's approach and impact point relative to structural features like stiffeners, as this has a greater impact on penetration performance than rotational speed.

Study

Final ProductionHigh ImpactModerate effect

Rotational Speed has Minimal Impact on Precession Penetration Ammunition Performance

The rotational speed of a penetrating missile has a less significant effect on its precession penetration capabilities compared to other factors.

Journal of Engineering · 2021

Key Findings

01Residual velocity of the penetrator decreases as the distance between the projectile point and a stiffener increases.
02Acceleration experienced by the projectile is greater when penetrating the second target plate compared to the first.
03The deflection angle of the shell body is influenced by a combination of factors.
04Rotational speed of the projectile contributes less to precession penetration ammunition performance than other variables.
05Changes in acceleration in the missile's central section are significantly noticeable in the direction perpendicular to the penetration path.

Application

Design takeaway

How to apply

When designing or evaluating penetrating projectiles, conduct simulations that accurately model the target's structural features (e.g., stiffeners, multiple layers) and analyze the projectile's trajectory and impact point in relation to these features.

Project actions

01When investigating projectile dynamics, consider the target's specific structural characteristics.
02Use simulation tools like FEA to model complex interactions between projectile and target.

Method & Evidence

AimTo investigate the dynamic characteristics of a rotating penetrating missile when attacking a warship, specifically analyzing the influence of projectile position, rotational speed, and impact location relative to structural elements on penetration performance.

MethodNumerical simulation using Finite Element Analysis (FEA).

ProcedureA physical model of the missile and a stiffened warship deck target was created. Finite element analysis software was used to simulate the penetration process of a rotating projectile. The simulation varied projectile position, rotational speed, and the point of impact relative to stiffeners. Dynamic responses, including residual velocity and acceleration, were analyzed.

ContextMilitary engineering, projectile design, warship defense systems.

Variables

IV["Projectile position relative to stiffeners","Rotational speed","Position of impact"]

DV["Residual velocity","Acceleration","Deflection angle"]

CV["Target material properties (as modeled)","Target structure (stiffeners, layers)"]

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

+Utilizes advanced FEA for detailed dynamic analysis.
+Investigates a specific and complex target scenario (warship deck).

Limitations

The complexity of real-world targets means simulations are simplifications. The exact material properties and structural integrity of a warship deck are difficult to replicate perfectly.

Reliability & validity

The validity of the findings is dependent on the accuracy of the FEA model and the fidelity of the simulated target. Reliability would be assessed through repeated simulations with minor variations in input parameters.

Think critically

How might the findings regarding acceleration in the missile's central section perpendicular to the penetration direction inform the design of internal components or fuzing mechanisms?

Design Principles

"Target-specific penetration dynamics dictate design priorities; optimize for critical impact variables rather than generalized performance metrics."

Understanding the primary drivers of penetration success allows for more efficient design and resource allocation. Focusing on factors beyond simple rotation can lead to more robust and predictable projectile performance against complex targets.

What This Means for Your Design

How fast a missile spins isn't as important for hitting a ship as where it hits and how it's angled, especially around the ship's internal supports.

How to use in your project

1.Reference this study when discussing the factors influencing projectile penetration, particularly when comparing the impact of different design variables like rotational speed versus impact location.

Add to My Project

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

Research by Qin and Li (2021) on penetrating missiles attacking warships indicates that rotational speed has a less significant impact on precession penetration performance compared to factors like the projectile's position relative to target stiffeners. This suggests that design efforts for naval targets should prioritize optimizing impact dynamics and trajectory over maximizing projectile spin.

Source

Journal of Engineering

Dynamic Characteristics of the Rotating Penetrating Missile for Attacking Warship Vertically

journal · 2021

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about rotational speed has minimal impact on precession penetration ammunition performance?: When designing penetrating projectiles for naval targets, focus on optimizing the projectile's approach and impact point relative to structural features like stiffeners, as this has a greater impact on penetration performance than rotational speed. Evidence: Journal of Engineering (2021).
Why does "Rotational Speed has Minimal Impact on Precession Penetration Ammunition Performance" matter for design?: Understanding the primary drivers of penetration success allows for more efficient design and resource allocation. Focusing on factors beyond simple rotation can lead to more robust and predictable projectile performance against complex targets.
How can designers apply this research?: When designing penetrating projectiles for naval targets, focus on optimizing the projectile's approach and impact point relative to structural features like stiffeners, as this has a greater impact on penetration performance than rotational speed.
What were the main findings?: Residual velocity of the penetrator decreases as the distance between the projectile point and a stiffener increases.. Acceleration experienced by the projectile is greater when penetrating the second target plate compared to the first.. The deflection angle of the shell body is influenced by a combination of factors.. Rotational speed of the projectile contributes less to precession penetration ammunition performance than other variables.
What research method was used?: Numerical simulation using Finite Element Analysis (FEA)..
How strong is the evidence?: Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2021 journal from Journal of Engineering.
What should I do differently in my next project?: When designing or evaluating penetrating projectiles, conduct simulations that accurately model the target's structural features (e.g., stiffeners, multiple layers) and analyze the projectile's trajectory and impact point in relation to these features.
What are the limitations?: The study relies on numerical simulation, and real-world conditions may introduce variables not fully captured by the FEA model. The specific materials and structural complexities of actual warships may differ from the simplified model.