Static Longitudinal Stability Characteristics of a Series of 90-Millimeter Artillery Shells at Mach Numbers of 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, and 1.2
Wind-tunnel tests have been made to determine the static longitudinal stability of several models of a short-range artillery shell at Mach numbers of 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, and 1.2. The results of the tests indicated that the best of the spool-shaped shells was statically stable in pitch at all test Mach numbers for an angle-of-attack range up to about 10 degrees. The best of the finned shells was stable to a maximum angle of attack of about 6 degrees. The addition of a probe to the nose of the finned shells resulted in increased static longitudinal stability at the highest Mach numbers tested and in a large decrease in the axial-force coefficients at all Mach numbers.