Interior Ballistics Optimization

Abstract : This research develops a general method that combines optimization methods and an interior ballistics model to automate the design process for propellant grains. It is a multi-variable constrained optimization problem. The augmented Lagrange multiplier method is used to control the constrained problem while two zero-order methods (Powell's and Hooke-Jeeves) perform the unconstrained minimization. The interior ballistics model IBRGAC, developed at the Interior Ballistics Laboratory, Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Maryland, is used as the objective cost function. To validate the process a representative 120mm tank gun system is used with four propellant combinations. The examples demonstrate that the scheme works and can be used as an effective design tool.