Experimental research on the launching system of auxiliary charge with filter cartridge structure

A launching system with a filter cartridge structure was proposed to improve the muzzle velocity of the projectile.The combustion chamber of the launching system is divided into two fixed chambers,one is located in the breech chamber,and the other is arranged in the barrel.The breech chamber charge was ignited first,and the charges in the auxiliary chambers were ignited by the high-temperature,highpressure combustible gas trailing the projectile.In this way,the combustible gas in the auxiliary chambers could compensate for the pressure drop caused by the movement of the projectile.The proposed device features the advantage of launching a projectile with high muzzle velocity without exceeding the maximum pressure in the chamber.In order to obtain some internal ballistic characteristics of the launch system,some critical structure,such as the length of the filter cartridge auxiliary charge,the combustion degree of the propellant in the chamber,and the length of the barrel,are discussed.The experimental results show that with the increased auxiliary charge length,a pressure plateau or even a secondary peak pressure can be formed,which is less than the peak pressure.The projectile velocity increased by 23.57%,14.64%,and 7.65%when the diaphragm thickness was 0 mm,1 mm,and2 mm,respectively.The muzzle velocity of the projectile can be increased by 13.42%by increasing the length of the barrel.Under the same charge condition,with the increase of barrel length,the energy utilization rate of propellant increases by 28.64%.

Study on the coupling calculation method for the launch dynamics of a self-propelled artillery multibody system considering engraving process

The launch dynamics theory for multibody systems emerges as an innovative and efficacious approach for the study of launch dynamics,capable of addressing the challenges of complex modeling,diminished computational efficiency,and imprecise analyses of system dynamic responses found in the dynamics research of intricate multi-rigid-flexible body systems,such as self-propelled artillery.This advancement aims to enhance the firing accuracy and launch safety of self-propelled artillery.Recognizing the shortfall of overlooking the band engraving process in existing theories,this study introduces a novel coupling calculation methodology for the launch dynamics of a self-propelled artillery multibody system.This method leverages the ABAQUS subroutine interface VUAMP to compute the dynamic response of the projectile and barrel during the launch process of large-caliber self-propelled artillery.Additionally,it examines the changes in projectile resistance and band deformation in relation to projectile motion throughout the band engraving process.Comparative analysis of the computational outcomes with experimental data evidences that the proposed method offers a more precise depiction of the launch process of self-propelled artillery,thereby enhancing the accuracy of launch dynamics calculations for self-propelled artillery.

Configuration Synthesis and Grasping Performance Analysis of Multi-Loop Coupling Capture Mechanism for Launch and Recovery of Torpedo-Shaped Autonomous Underwater Vehicle

Research of capture mechanisms with strong capture adaptability and stable grasp is important to solve the problem of launch and recovery of torpedo-shaped autonomous underwater vehicles(AUVs).A multi-loop coupling capture mechanism with strong adaptability and high retraction rate has been proposed for the launch and recovery of torpedo-shaped AUVs with different morphological features.Firstly,the principle of capturing motion retraction is described based on the appearance characteristics of torpedo-shaped AUVs,and the configuration synthesis of the capture mechanism is carried out using the method of constrained chain synthesis.Secondly,the screw theory is employed to analyze the degree of freedom(DoF)of the capture mechanism.Then,the 3D model of the capture mechanism is established,and the kinematics and dynamics simulations are carried out.Combined with the capture orientation requirements of the capture mechanism,the statics and vibration characteristics analyses are carried out.Furthermore,considering the capture process and the underwater working environment,the motion characteristics and hydraulics characteristics of the capture mechanism are analyzed.Finally,a principle prototype is developed and the torpedo-shaped AUVs capture experiment is completed.The work provides technical reserves for the research and development of AUV capture special equipment.

A CombustionModel for Explosive Charge Affected by a Bottom Gap in the Launch Environment

Launch safety of explosive charges has become an urgent problem to be solved by all countries in the world aslaunch situation of ammunition becomes consistentlyworse.However, the existing numericalmodels have differentdefects. This paper formulates an efficient computational model of the combustion of an explosive charge affectedby a bottom gap in the launch environment in the context of the material point method. The current temperatureis computed accurately from the heat balance equation, and different physical states of the explosive charges areconsidered through various equations of state. Microcracks in the explosive charges are described with respectto the viscoelastic statistical crackmechanics (Visco–SCRAM) model. Themethod for calculating the temperatureat the bottomof the explosive charge with respect to the bottomgap is described. Based on this combustionmodel,the temperature history of a Composition B (COMB) explosive charge in the presence of a bottom gap is obtainedduring the launch process of a 155-mm artillery. The simulation results show that the bottom gap thickness shouldbe no greater than 0.039 cm to ensure the safety of the COM B explosive charge in the launch environment. Thisconclusion is consistent with previous results and verifies the correctness of the proposed model. Ultimately, thispaper derives amathematical expression for themaximumtemperature of the COMB explosive chargewith respectto the bottomgap thickness (over the range of 0.00–0.039 cm), and establishes a quantitative evaluationmethod forthe launch safety of explosive charges.The research results provide some guidance for the assessment and detectionof explosive charge safety in complex launch environments.

A new method for evaluating the firing precision of multiple launch rocket system based on Bayesian theory

How to effectively evaluate the firing precision of weapon equipment at low cost is one of the core contents of improving the test level of weapon system.A new method to evaluate the firing precision of the MLRS considering the credibility of simulation system based on Bayesian theory is proposed in this paper.First of all,a comprehensive index system for the credibility of the simulation system of the firing precision of the MLRS is constructed combined with the group analytic hierarchy process.A modified method for determining the comprehensive weight of the index is established to improve the rationality of the index weight coefficients.The Bayesian posterior estimation formula of firing precision considering prior information is derived in the form of mixed prior distribution,and the rationality of prior information used in estimation model is discussed quantitatively.With the simulation tests,the different evaluation methods are compared to validate the effectiveness of the proposed method.Finally,the experimental results show that the effectiveness of estimation method for firing precision is improved by more than 25%.

Commercial Aerospace: The Next Launchpad For the Chinese Economy

On December 29,2023,the first launch service tower was completed at the Hainan International Commercial Aerospace Launch Center,marking a key step forward in building the launch capacity of China’s first commercial aerospace launch site.On December 10,a Hyperbola-2 methane-liquid oxygen reusable verification rocket was launched successfully,marking the first recovery of reusable carrier rockets in China.

Technical Characteristics and Innovations of the Gravity-1 Launch Vehicle

On January 11, 2024, the Gravity-1 launch vehicle successfully carried out its maiden flight from a mobile sea platform off the coast of Haiyang in Shandong Province, sending three meteorological satellites, Yunyao-1 satellite No. 18-20, into an orbit about 500 km above the ground. The successful debut flight of Gravity-1 broke many records such as the world's largest solid launch vehicle, the first sea-launched strap-on launch vehicle in the world, with the maximum carrying capacity of current commercial launch vehicle in China. This flight marked a big step in the field of China's commercial space launch application. A new breakthrough has been made, which is of great significance for further expanding China's diversified and large-scale launch capabilities of medium and low orbit satellites, expanding the spectrum of China's launch vehicle types, and promoting the development of space science.

Temperature influences of the recoil characteristics for aluminum honeycomb buffer in the tether-net launcher

Fluctuations in outer space's temperature would affect the spacecraft's regular operation.This paper aims to study the temperature influences of the aluminum honeycomb buffer in the tether-net launcher.Firstly,a buffer structure was designed to attenuate the pyroshock generated by the pyrotechnic device.Secondly,the mechanical properties of aluminum honeycomb at different temperatures were obtained through quasi-static compression experiments.Then,the internal ballistic responses of the launcher were gained by the closed bomb tests and the equivalent classical interior ballistic model.Finally,the recoil performance of the launcher with aluminum honeycomb buffer at different temperatures was studied.It is revealed that the aluminum honeycomb crushing force gradually decreases with the temperature increases.The peak pressure,burning rate coefficient and velocity increase while the peak time decreases with the temperature increase for the interior ballistics.For the launcher recoil responses,the average launch recoil decreases if the aluminum honeycomb doesn't enter the dense stage.The impact acceleration,projectile velocity and displacement increase as the temperature increase.The paper spotlights the temperature's influence on the recoil characteristics of the aluminum honeycomb buffer,which provides a new idea for buffering technology of pyrotechnic devices in a complex space environment.

The Launch of IEA Report World Energy Investment 2024 Successfully Held

On July 18,2024,the Launch of IEA Report World Energy Investment Report 2024 was released at Peking University.This conference was co-hosted by the International Energy Agency(IEA)and the Institute of Energy,Peking University.

Introduction and Prospects of Gravity-1 Launch Vehicle’s Sea-Based Three Verticals Testing and Launch Mode

Gravity-1 was the world's first carrier rocket to adopt the sea-based “three vertical” testing launch mode. This article introduces the overall layout of the launch site and the workflow of rocket testing and launch for its maiden flight mission. The process of vertical assembly, vertical testing, vertical transportation, and sea-based hot launches are explained. Additionally, it provides an outlook on the improved “three vertical” testing and launch mode for future missions, such as land-based launches, rapid launches, and remote sea launches.

Analysis of the Gravity-1 Sea Launch System and Technical Features

Sea launch has the characteristics of flexible launching points, high landing area safety, and good economy. In recent years, it has become one of the important launch methods. Since 2019, China has carried out a total of 11 successful sea launches. The Gravity-1(YL-1) sea launch system consists of a launch vehicle system and a sea launch platform. The sea launch program includes roll on/roll off boarding, sea mooring, sea maneuvering, anchoring and positioning, system testing, and formal launch. Through the maiden flight of YL-1, the design and manufacturing technology of large tonnage dedicated launch ship, launch vehicle vertical transfer and roll on/roll off boarding technology, anti-shake technology for sea launch, simple inflatable flexible insulation protective cover technology, and remote wireless measurement and control technology have been fully verified.

Simulation Study on the Feasibility of Gun-Launched Missile Against Attack Helicopters

The feasibility of providing the tank a limited anti helicopter ability with gun launched missile is studied. A type of simulation model of gun launched missile against attack helicopters is established. The simulation and the parameter optimization of missile control system under various circumstances are done. The gun launched missile can directly hit the helicopters in the typical tracks, all the missdistances are less than 1?m and the maximum overload is less than available overload. Gun launched missile is a feasible choice for tanks against attack helicopters.

Research on optimization of valve open time of the launch barge's ballast tanks

Launch barge is an effective tool for transporting ship segments from one place to another in shipyards. During shifting of segments onto a barge, the slideway on the barge＇s deck must be adjusted to maintain the same level as the wharf and also the barge must be kept level by adjusting the water in the ballast tanks. When to open the adjusting valves is an important factor influencing the barge＇s trim during the water-adjustment process. Because these adjustments are complex a mathematical model was formulated,after analyzing the characteristics of the process of moving the segments onto the barges deck, and considering the effects of this movement＇s speed and variations in tidal levels during the move. Then the model was solved by the penalty function method, the grid method, and improved simulated annealing, respectively. The best optimization model and its corresponding solution were then determined. Finally, it was proven that the model and the method adopted are correct and suitable, by calculating and analysing an example.

Watt Linkage–Based Legged Deployable Landing Mechanism for Reusable Launch Vehicle: Principle, Prototype Design, and Experimental Validation

The reusable launch vehicle (RLV) presents a new avenue for reducing cost of space transportation. The landing mechanism, which provides landing support and impact absorption, is a vital component of the RLV at final stage of recovery. This study proposes a novel legged deployable landing mechanism (LDLM) for RLV. The Watt-II six-bar mechanism is adopted to obtain the preferred configuration via the application of the linkage variation approach. To endow the proposed LDLM with advantages of large landing support region, lightweight, and reasonable linkage internal forces, a multi-objective optimization paradigm is developed. Furthermore, the optimal scale parameters for guiding the LDLM prototype design is obtained numerically using the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm-II (NSGA-II) evolutionary algorithm. A fully-functional scaled RLV prototype is developed by integrating the gravity-governed deploying scheme to facilitate unfolding action to avoid full-range actuation, a dual-backup locking mechanism to enhance reliability of structure stiffening as fully deployed, and a shock absorber (SA) with multistage honeycomb to offer reliable shock absorbing performance. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed LDLM is capable of providing rapid and smooth deployment (duration less than 1.5 s) with mild posture disturbance to the cabin (yaw and pitch fluctuations less than 6°). In addition, it provides satisfactory impact attenuation (acceleration peak less than 10g (g is the gravitational acceleration)) in the 0.2 m freefall test, which makes the proposed LDLM a potential alternative for developing future RLV archetype.

An Analysis on the Motion Characteristics of Fuel and Shell in Launching

The relative characteristics of motion of the fuel and shell upon launching is analyzed. By means of mechanical analysis and calculation, it is proposed that relative motion exists not only in the ranges between the fuel and shell of the warhead, but also in the fuel in different positions. The result of study indicates that the position of the fuel in the warhead has a marked influence on the relative motion, while the frictional coefficient between the fuel and shell has less influence upon it.

Simulation of two-dimensional interior ballistics model of solid propellant electrothermal-chem ical launch with discharge rod plasma generator

Instead of the capillary plasma generator(CPG),a discharge rod plasma generator(DRPG)is used in the30 mm electrothermal-chemical(ETC)gun to improve the ignition uniformity of the solid propellant.An axisymmetric two-dimensional interior ballistics model of the solid propellant ETC gun(2D-IB-SPETCG)is presented to describe the process of the ETC launch.Both calculated pressure and projectile muzzle velocity accord well with the experimental results.The feasibility of the 2D-IB-SPETCG model is proved.Depending on the experimental data and initial parameters,detailed distribution of the ballistics parameters can be simulated.With the distribution of pressure and temperature of the gas phase and the propellant,the influence of plasma during the ignition process can be analyzed.Because of the radial flowing plasma,the propellant in the area of the DRPG is ignited within 0.01 ms,while all propellant in the chamber is ignited within 0.09 ms.The radial ignition delay time is much less than the axial delay time.During the ignition process,the radial pressure difference is less than 5 MPa at the place 0.025 m away from the breech.The radial ignition uniformity is proved.The temperature of the gas increases from several thousand K(conventional ignition)to several ten thousand K(plasma ignition).Compare the distribution of the density and temperature of the gas,we know that low density and high temperature gas appears near the exits of the DRPG,while high density and low temperature gas appears at the wall near the breech.The simulation of the 2D-IB-SPETCG model is an effective way to investigate the interior ballistics process of the ETC launch.The 2D-IB-SPETC model can be used for prediction and improvement of experiments.

Supercritical carbon dioxide as a new working medium for pneumatic launch:A theoretical study

Compared with the conventionally gaseous or liquid working media,the specific internal energy of supercritical carbon dioxide(SCD)is higher at the same temperature and pressure,and the critical temperature of carbon dioxide is close to room temperature,making SCD a potential new working medium for pneumatic launch.To analyze the feasibility of this conception,an analytical model of a pneumatic catapult is established on basis of the conservations of mass and energy.The model consists of a high-pressure chamber and a low-pressure chamber connected by multiple valves,and there is a movable piston in the low-pressure chamber that can push an aircraft to accelerate.The effects of the launch readiness state of SCD in the high-pressure chamber,the initial volume of the low-pressure chamber and the valve control on the movement of the aircraft are analyzed.It is found that there is a restrictive relation between the temperature and pressure of the launch readiness state of SCD,i.e.,there is a maximum allowable launch readiness pressure when the launch readiness temperature is fixed.If this restrictive relation is not satisfied,the working medium in the low-pressure chamber will drop to its triple point within a few milliseconds,leading to a launch failure.Owing to this restrictive relation,there is an optimal launch readiness state of SCD with the highest working capacity for any allowable launch readiness temperature.The pressure of the low-pressure chamber will decrease significantly as the initial volume increases,leading to a decreased acceleration of the aircraft.The acceleration can be controlled below a critical value by a designed sequential blasting technique of multiple valves.The calculated results show that a 500 kg aircraft can be accelerated from 0 to 58 m/s in 0.9 s with 36 kg of carbon dioxide.This research provides a new technique for the controllable cold launch of an aircraft.

Research on agile space emergency launching mission planning simulation and verification method

Space emergency launching is to send a satellite into space by using a rapid responsive solid rocket in the bounded time to implement the emergency Earth observation mission.The key and difficult points mainly include the business process construction of launching mission planning,validation of the effectiveness of the launching scheme,etc.This paper pro-poses the agile space emergency launching mission planning simulation and verification method,which systematically con-structs the overall technical framework of space emergency launching mission planning with multi-field area,multi-platform and multi-task parallel under the constraint of resource schedul-ing for the first time.It supports flexible reconstruction of mis-sion planning processes such as launching target planning,tra-jectory planning,path planning,action planning and launching time analysis,and can realize on-demand assembly of operation links under different mission scenarios and different plan condi-tions,so as to quickly modify and generate launching schemes.It supports the fast solution of rocket trajectory data and the accurate analysis of multi-point salvo time window recheck and can realize the fast conflict resolution of launching missions in the dimensions of launching position and launching window sequence.It supports lightweight scenario design,modular flexi-ble simulation,based on launching style,launching platform,launching rules,etc.,can realize the independent mapping of mission planning results to two-dimensional and three-dimen-sional visual simulation models,so as to achieve a smooth con-nection between mission planning and simulation.

Calculation of Plasma Radiation in Electrothermal-Chemical Launcher

A numerical model of radiation has been adopted for electrothermM-chemical （ETC） launcher, in which Monte Carlo method and statistical physics are employed to simulate the process of a capillary plasma source in an ETC launcher. The effect on propellant grains with different average absorption coefficients is discussed. The plasma-propellant interaction is also discussed when combined with a thermal model. Results show that the strong instantaneous radiation is responsible for the transmission of energy to the propellant grains leading to ignition. The efficiency of energy absorption in the propellant bed always maintains a high level. Radiant energy caused by plasma is concentrated around the plaslna injector. And the ＂hot zone＂ efficiency is mainly affected by the properties of propellant grains within a small field around the plasma injector.

Adaptive saturated tracking control for solid launch vehicles in ascending based on differential inclusion stabilization

The large-range uncertainties of specific impulse,mass flow per second,aerodynamic coefficients and atmospheric density during rapid turning in solid launch vehicles(SLVs) ascending leads to the deviation of the actual trajectory from the reference one.One of the traditional trajectory tracking methods is to observe the uncertainties by Extended State Observer(ESO) and then modify the control commands.However,ESO cannot accurately estimate the uncertainties when the uncertainty ranges are large,which reduces the guidance accuracy.This paper introduces differential inclusion(DI) and designs a controller to solve the large-range parameter uncertainties problem.When above uncertainties have large ranges,it can be combined with the ascent dynamic equation and described as a DI system in the mathematical form of a set.If the DI system is stabilized,all the subsets are stabilized.Different from the traditional controllers,the parameters of the designed controller are calculated by the uncertain boundaries.Therefore,the controller can solve the problem of large-range parameter uncertainties of in ascending.Firstly,the ascent deviation system is obtained by linearization along the reference trajectory.The trajectory tracking system with engine parameters and aerodynamic uncertainties is described as an ascent DI system with respect to state deviation,which is called DI system.A DI adaptive saturation tracking controller(DIAST) is proposed to stabilize the DI system.Secondly,an improved barrier Lyapunov function(named time-varying tangent-log barrier Lyapunov function) is proposed to constrain the state deviations.Compared with traditional barrier Lyapunov function,it can dynamically adjust the boundary of deviation convergence,which improve the convergence rate and accuracy of altitude,velocity and LTIA deviation.In addition,the correction amplitudes of angle of attack(AOA) and angle of sideslip(AOS) need to be limited in order to guarantee that the overload constraint is not violated during actual flight.In this paper,a fixed time adaptive saturation compensation auxiliary system is designed to shorten the saturation time and accelerate the convergence rate,which eliminates the adverse effects caused by the saturation.Finally,it is proved that the state deviations are ultimately uniformly bounded under the action of DIAST controller.Simulation results show that the DI ascent tracking system is stabilized within the given uncertainty boundary values.The feasible bounds of uncertainty is broadened compared with Integrated Guidance and Control algorithm.Compared with Robust Gain-Scheduling Control method,the robustness to the engine parameters are greatly improved and the control variable is smoother.