A Complex Variable Method to Predict an Aerodynamics of Arbitrary Shape Ballistic Projectiles

Ballistic projectiles (fragments, missiles) thrown due to the explosions can be a greater hazard than the blast wave. Safe distances from the blast can be readily calculated since it falls off as the cube root of distance. Far more complex is predicting how far fragments may be thrown. This work develops an engineering method to predict aerodynamics of explosive ballistic projectiles (EBPs) of arbitrary shapes. Incorporating the numerical solution of the equations of the dynamic motion of projectile with a complex variable method (“linearization of single-bonded area”), the velocities and the trajectories of arbitrary shape EBPs have been determined. The results are compared to previously developed model predictions and the fragment recovery tests results.