Design, Integration, and Trajectory Analysis of Ramjet-Powered Projectile

Abstract

This thesis presents the design, integration, and trajectory generation of a ramjet-powered 155mm projectile. The existing 155mm legacy shell is modified by increasing its length and adding rear fins for extra lift and stability. The ramjet engine was designed through an empirical framework.

Aerodynamic coefficients are calculated in Missile DATCOM®. The Ramjet Engine and a look- up table of the aerodynamic coefficients were integrated into the trajectory generation model in

Simulink MATLAB®. The analysis of the results indicates that the proposed design, with the integrated ramjet engine, can reach a range of over 70 km, substantially improving the legacy system. This enhanced range has significant advantages for military operations, as it allows for increased target coverage, improved accuracy, and decreased vulnerability to enemy counterattacks. Additionally, the modified artillery shell can reduce the number of rounds needed to engage targets, reducing operational costs and logistical requirements. The main novelty of this study lies in integrating a ramjet engine with a 155mm artillery shell, which is rarely explored in the published literature due to proprietary aspects. The ramjet engine provides a sustained propulsion system that enables the artillery shell to achieve a greater range than traditional systems. This technology can potentially revolutionize the employability of artillery by providing enhanced range and accuracy for farther targets. The simulation model generates a trajectory that maximizes the range of the modified artillery shell while minimizing the impact of environmental factors such as wind and air resistance. The resulting trajectory is optimized to achieve the maximum range for the shell. The design integration and trajectory generation process outlined in this thesis can be used as a blueprint for developing high-performance artillery shells with improved accuracy and range. The proposed design has several advantages over conventional artillery shells, including the ability to strike targets that are beyond the range of traditional artillery shells. In summary, this study presents a novel approach to enhance the range of artillery shells by integrating a ramjet engine. The research contributes to advancing defense technology in Pakistan and provides a basis for further research in this area.