Numerical Simulation of the In-bore Motion of a Typical Artillery Shell

The events occurring inside the gun barrel after initiation of the propellant are highly dynamic in nature. The extreme complexity of the phenomenon makes it difficult to analyse and predict the outcome in respect of various internal ballistic parameters. However, a reliable simulation model of the in-bore motion of projectile is very helpful in better understanding of the effects of various parameters of the weapon-propellant-projectile system. In this study, attempt has been made to develop a finite element model to simulate the in-bore motion of a typical artillery shell inside a 155mm calibre rifled gun barrel. The base pressure derived from experimentally measured breech pressure is used as the loading condition on the projectile. Appropriate material laws and boundary conditions have been applied. The in-bore velocity time data has been generated as the output. The simulated velocity of the projectile at exit from the gun barrel has been compared with the experimentally determined muzzle velocity and found to be appreciably close.