Navier–Stokes computation of heat transfer and aero-heating modeling for supersonic projectiles

In supersonic flight, Armor Piercing Fin Stabilized Discarding Sabot (APFSDS) projectiles are submitted to a high level of heating and structural loading. We have developed a numerical approach based on 3-D RANS and 2-D coupled aero-heating/conduction computations in order to understand and predict this severe aero-thermal environment. Experimental external aerodynamic and heating load tests have been conducted in a high speed wind tunnel. Computations were compared to experimental results, semi-empirical formulations and evaluations carried out in similar studies elsewhere. A very close agreement was obtained.