Nonlinear Rolling Motion of Triform Finned Missiles

Abstract

A theoretical investigation of the rolling motion of triform configurations at high angles of attack is presented. A nonlinear aerodynamic flow model, derived from strip and slender body theories, is used to predict the aerodynamic roll coefficients of triform tailed missiles at high angles of attack. The flow model predictions are compared to the estimates of a panel-based code and a computational fluid dynamics code at two Mach numbers.