REPORT: WHITE PHOSPHORUS

Projectile Dynamics

3.2 Burst Dynamics

A series of variables are identified and isolated for their utility in creating a parametric model to run iterative three-dimensional burst simulations as well as to analyze video footage. The model is constructed to include the following parameters, all of which can be controlled and then run iteratively and quantitatively analyzed:

  • Height of Burst (HoB): Height from ground plane at which a timed fuse separates the shell and activates the charge that initiates burst.
  • Opening Angle (ɑ): Angle at which wedges emerge from the shell upon bursting. This angle can change depending on the type of charge chosen for a particular projectile.
  • Inclination (β): Angle at which the projectile is approaching the ground at moment of burst. This can be understood as a measurement in degrees between the bisector of the opening angle and a line normal to the ground plane.
  • Plane Displacement (ɣ): Angle between the vertical plane of the line of fire and the vertical plane of view. This parameter, while not linked to projectile behavior, is necessary for establishing the actual trajectory of the projectile based on how it appears on the picture plane of an image.

Ultimately, the parametric model constructed and used in this report functions as a tool to measure and quantify characteristics of projectile behavior in both abstract and contextualized scenarios. It should be noted that simulations conducted for this report do not factor in meteorological conditions such as wind and precipitation, which can also influence projectile behavior.

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