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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

An improved technique for determining missile roll rate with the epicyclic theory

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:6664673
In the analysis of flight dynamics data, the epicyclic theory may be used to determine roll rate from the frequencies of the yawing motion of a missile which has linear aerodynamic characteristics. However, it has been observed that missile motion, when measured in the conventional fixed-plane coordinates processes relative to the motion predicted by the epicyclic theory (nonrolling coordinates). Therefore, the roll rate obtained by direct application of the theory will be erroneous. The equations of motion for fixed-plane coordinates are compared to those for nonrolling coordinates and a quasi-linear solution is obtained which relates frequencies in the two coordinate systems. This solution, which is verified by numerical integration of the rigid body equations of motion, permits accurate determination of missile roll rate.
Research Organization:
Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
AC04-76DP00789
OSTI ID:
6664673
Report Number(s):
SC-DC-70-4768; ON: DE87006036
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English