Numerical prediction of interior ballistics performance of projectile accelerator using granular or tubular solid propellant

Two-dimensional axisymmetric interior ballistics simulations in projectile acceleration systems that use granular or long slotted tubular solid propellants are performed using the solid/gas two-phase fluid dynamics code of the Euler-Lagrange approach. For validation, the simulation results are compared with experimental data for tubular solid propellants. In the series of the interior ballistics simulations, the propellant grain size and shape effects on the firing performance of 50mm gun are numerically investigated. The propellant grain size and shape affect the energy release rate of the solid propellant charged in the chamber, the projectile kinetic energy at the muzzle, and even the fluctuations of the chamber pressure history. An appropriate burning surface area of the propellant grain exists, so that the projectile can achieve the maximum kinetic energy from the released energy of the solid propellant. Based on the simulation results, guidelines are proposed for the grain size design that enables the propellant energy to be used efficiently.