Linear theory of a rotating internal part projectile configuration in atmospheric flight

Dynamic modeling of the atmospheric flight mechanics of a projectile equipped with an internal rotating disk is investigated, and a modified projectile linear theory is established for this configuration. To model this type of projectile requires alteration of several of the coefficients of the epicyclic dynamics leading to changes in the fast and slow epicyclic modes. A study of the frequency and damping properties of the epicyclic modes is conducted by the systematic variation of disk orientation, location, mass, and rotational speed. It is shown that the presence of an internal rotating disk can causes substantial changes in the epicyclic dynamics, including instability, in some configurations.