Rail Launch Missile Simulation

using MSC.Nastran Software

Author: Peter Zeman

Paper: 2001-34
COMPANY:
MBDA Inc.
5701 Lindero Canyon Road,
Suite 4-100
Westlake Village,
CA 91362
USA
Phone: (818) 991-0300 (x 248)
Fax: (818) 991-4668
peter.zeman@mbda-us.com

ABSTRACT:
The purpose of this paper is to present a dynamic simulation of a rail launched
missile as it is fired from its rail. Missile loading conditions during a launch
change rapidly based on the missiles position on that rail. The missile's time
spent on the rail is a fraction of a second and the simulation must take into
account the missile's dynamic characteristics. Rail stiffness is also position
dependent and the gaps and friction between the missile hangers and rail require
modeling.
The nonlinear finite element transient analysis is capable of simulating the
missile's dynamic conditions during its travel along the rail. The outcome of the
analysis has multiple usage. The missile's movement on the rail, in real time, is
observable and the missile's velocity, acceleration, roll angle and roll rate can be
plotted. For structural purposes, the missile's component stresses can be plotted
and also valuable missile shoe reaction forces can be determined at different
locations on the rail.
The sample problem described in this paper does not represent any specific
missile design. However, the presented analysis technique was successfully
utilized and verified in the Brimstone missile project at Alenia Marconi Systems.

INTRODUCTION:
Rail launched missiles can be divided into three basic categories:
a) Ground launched missiles
b) Helicopter launched missiles
c) Fast Jet launched missiles

(no aerodynamic load during the launch)

(aerodynamic load is low during the launch)
(aerodynamic and inertia load can be
very high during the launch)

It is usually a high aerodynamic and inertia load acting in the lateral axis, which
introduces high reaction forces between the missile shoes (hangers) and the
launch rail. These high reaction forces can cause structural damage to the
missile components or the rail. They can also prevent a successful missile
launch by slowing or even stopping the missile on the rail and thus causing a
missile hang fire.

MISSILE/RAIL SKETCH:

Rail, Cross - section

Missile Shoe

Missile

MISSILE SHOE REACTIONS:

Reaction, -R1

A relatively small lateral load

(F1) generates high shoe
reaction forces (-R1 and +R1 ).

Reaction, -F1

Lateral Load
F1

Reaction, +R1

PROBLEM DEFINITION:
During a successful launch:
The missile rapidly accelerates on the rail.
The missile usually does not remain on the rail longer than 150
milliseconds.
The missile shoe reaction forces change rapidly during the launch based
on the missiles rail position. The main contributors to these changes are
varying aerodynamic missile loads and rail stiffness for various positions
along the rail.
Other considerations requiring modeling:
The missiles shoes fit loosely in the rail (some free play exists).
Friction exists between the shoes and the rail.
The analysis simulates:
a) Dynamic conditions on the rail (Nonlinear, transient analysis).
b) Friction and gaps between shoes and rail (Slide lines with friction option).
c) Calculation of missile load for each position on the rail (Function).
d) Calculation of rocket motor thrust as a time function (Function).

ANALYSIS OBJECTIVES:
a)
b)
c)
d)

Determination of shoe reaction forces during the launch.

Determination of missile acceleration, velocity and roll rate on the rail.
Determination of missile tip off roll rate
Obtaining missile and rail stress plots for various positions on the rail.

FINITE ELEMENT MODEL DESCRIPTION:

Major Features:
a) The model has to be dynamically representative. The missile/rail mass and
stiffness must be correctly simulated.
b) Missiles shoe/rail interface has to be representative. Slide line elements
must be placed in the shoe/rail contact areas. Friction between the missile
shoes and rail has to be considered.
c) The model size should be moderate (sample problem includes approximately
8 000 dof). The nonlinear transient analysis is an iterative analysis, which
requires numerous time steps. Large models require long run times!

Modeling Hints:
a) A convenient combination of element types was selected to obtain a highly
representative model, which was still of moderate size.
b) Slide line elements have to be defined in X -Y plane of assigned coordination
system which is defined in the slide line element property. While the default
coordinate system was proper for vertical slide line elements, a new
coordinate system, which was rotated by 90 degrees, was assigned to
horizontal slide line element property.
c) Slide line elements are gradually added to the model. The model is run and
correct functions of the added slide line element are then verified.
d) Slide line master nodes are located on the rail. There is just one slave node
for each slide line element, which is associated with the missile shoe.
e) Slide line elements do not have gap force measuring capability, hence the
shoe load can not be determined from the slide line element. This deficiency
is overcome by adding two extra elements for each slide line element. In the
nonlinear transient analysis the output can be written for DOF Spring Element
force, hence the shoe reaction force can be determined if this element is
incorporated in the model. The extra 5 DOF are added by rigid element(s) as
shown on the picture below.

SHOE ELEMENTS (STIFF BEAMS)

DOF SPRING ELEMENT (1 DOF) and
RIGID ELEMENT (REMAINING 5 DOF)
SLIDE LINE SLAVE NODE
RIGID ELEMENT MASTER NODE

f) The aerodynamic load acting on the missile changes with the missile position
on the rail. The load change is simulated by two independent MSC.Nastran
functions. Function No 2 is time dependent, and function No 3 is associated
with a Nonlinear Force load, which is position dependent. The nonlinear,
position dependent force is superimposed on the time dependent force.
g) The analysis is gradually run with various coefficient of frictions, typically 0.0,
0.15 and 0.25. All these output sets are stored in the same database. This
enables the plotting of shoe reaction forces, missile acceleration and velocity
on the same plot for various coefficient of frictions.

Missile Finite Element Model:

Front Shoe

Intermediate Shoe

Aft Shoe

Front Shoe Detail

Rail finite element model:

Rail Finite Element Model

Rail Top View
FWD

Rail Bottom View

Constraints location

Missile/Rail Finite Element Model:

Constraints

DOF SPRING ELEMENT:

Shoe Detail

The DOF Spring Element is

inserted between the missile
shoe beam element and the Slide
Line Element. The purpose of
this DOF Spring Element is to
measure the reaction force
between the missile shoe and the
rail. The DOF Spring Element is
relatively stiff and does not
reduce the actual stiffness
between the shoe and the rail.

DOF SPRING ELEMENT AND

RIGID ELEMENT (5 DOF)

Slide Lines:
There are nine slide line elements in this model. Each shoe contact with the rail
is a separate slide line element.

Front and Intermediate Shoe Slide Line Elements

RH Side, (Property 9)

Front and Intermediate Shoe Slide Line Elements

LH Side, (Property 11)

Slide Line Parameters (Specified in Slide Line Element Property):

a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)

Stiffness Factor
= 1.0
Width
= 5.0
Coefficient of Friction
= 0.0, 0.15 and 0.25
Non sliding Friction Stiffness = 1000
Unsymmetrical Penetration
One slave node for each slide element
Slide line coordinating system definition (X-Y plane, correct orientation).

ANALYSIS:
Software: MSC.Nastran for Windows, version 4.6.
Nonlinear Transient Analysis Parameters:
a) Convergence Tolerance: Displacement = 0.01, Load = 0.01, Work = 1e-5
b) Solution:
Full Newton - Raphson
c) Time increment:
0.0005 sec, 650 steps, Max. iterations = 25
d) Output:
ALL, Every Step,
e) Overall Damping:
0.08 (Critical Damping = 0.04) (F= 10 Hz)
f) Analysis:
Nonlinear Transient , Advanced options,
Output requested for DOF Spring Force
(9 elements), Displacement for all model,
Acceleration and Velocity for Node 979.
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Load acting on the missile:

LOAD ACTING ON THE MISSILE

Aerodynamic and Inertia Load

(associated with Function 2)

Non linear Force

(associated with Function 3)

ROCKET MOTOR THRUST

(associated with Function 1)

Function 1, Rocket
Motor Thrust

The rocket motor thrust

starts at 100 ms. At this
time the missile is loaded
and it can be considered
steady. The thrust
profile is simplified in this
sample case, but reflects
the general rocket motor
thrust shape.

Function 2, Aero
and Inertia Load

The missile load is

gradually increased for the
first 50 ms. Afterwards, this
component of the missile
load is steady, in this
sample case.

Function 3, Nonlinear
Force

The nonlinear force is the

missile load component,
which changes with the
missile position on the rail.

ANALYSIS RESULTS:
Missile movement on the rail, Coefficient of Friction = 0.15

CAPTIVE CARRY POSITION

FRONT SHOE LEAVING THE RAIL

INTERMEDIATE and AFT SHOES LEAVING THE RAIL

MISSILE FREE FLIGHT

Comments:
During the first 100 ms, the load is gradually applied to the missile
(load function 2). After 100 ms the rocket motor thrust starts to move the missile
on the rail (load function 1). The missile starts to move on the rail as shown
above. During successful launch the missile accelerates rapidly.

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Missile Acceleration on the rail, Coefficient of Friction = 0.0, 0.15 and 0.25
Missile Acceleration [mm/sec^2]

=0.25

=0.15

ROCKET
MOTOR
FIRES

=0.0

Time [sec]

Missile Velocity on the Rail, Coefficient of Friction = 0.0, 0.15 and 0.25

Missile Velocity [mm/sec]

= 0.25

Missile velocity at
the end of the rail

= 0.15

= 0.0

Time [sec]

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Missile Roll Rate, Coefficient of Friction = 0.15

Missile
Leaves
The Rail

Roll Rate [Rad/sec]

Missile
Tip-off
Roll Rate

Rocket Motor
Fires

Time [sec]

Missile/Rail Stress Plot Cross-section:

Rail Stress - Detail

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Missile Shoe Reaction Forces:

=0.0

Shoe Reactions [N]

=0.15

Rocket Motor
Fires

Front Shoe Reactions

Time [sec]

Intermediate Shoe Reactions

Aft Shoe Reactions

Shoe reactions change rapidly with the missile position on the rail. Aft shoe
reaction achieves its maximum magnitude just before the missile leaves the rail.

Deformed Shape, End of the Rail

DEFORMED SHAPE
DEFORMED SCALE 1:1
In this image, the missile is
leaving the rail. The
intermediate and aft shoes are
still engaged in the rail.
The rail is noticeably deformed.
The missile roll and yaw angles
are also evident.

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DISCUSSION:
Shoe reactions are the most valuable outcome of the analysis. With this rail
design the aft shoe reactions achieve a very high magnitude at the end of the rail
position. This is caused by relatively small torsional rail end stiffness in
comparison with mid section rail stiffness.
CONCLUSION:
MSC.Nastran nonlinear transient analysis enables the simulation of dynamic
phenomena like a missile launch from a rail under extreme load conditions and
with high coefficients of friction. Valuable shoe reaction forces can also be
determined with this simulation. Alternatively, measurement of reaction forces is
difficult to obtain during a missile launch and conventional analysis provides only
approximate results. Missile acceleration on the rail obtained through
MSC.Nastran analysis has been verified by measured acceleration obtained
during trials.
The MSC.Nastran analysis methodology is also capable of determining frictional
forces between the rail and the missiles shoes. Frictional forces contribute to
acceleration anomalies and rocking that occurs as the missile progresses along
the rail.
BENEFITS TO MSC.SOFTWARE USERS:
a) Slide lines can be used even if there is some sliding in the plane
perpendicular to the slide line plane. The slide line has a width.
b) Slide lines are very stable and analysis converges quickly.
c) If friction is defined in slide line element property, the analysis converges
more slowly, but still converges.
d) Functions used in MSC.Nastran software are very useful. While the rocket
motor thrust was described by the simple time function, the missile
aerodynamic load was calculated for various positions on the rail. This is an
extremely useful feature of the MSC.Nastran interface modeler. This feature
can be utilized for aerodynamic load calculations, which changes with
geometrical parameters during analysis, such as the missile position on the
rail.
e) Contact forces cannot be obtained directly during the nonlinear transient
analysis. Slide lines do not provide this option yet. However, a combination
of DOF spring and rigid elements, properly added to the slide line element (as
described in the body of this article) enables the user to obtain these forces,
as was demonstrated in this paper.

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