Fluid motion inside a spinning nutating cylinder

Abstract

The incompressible three-dimensional Navier–Stokes equations are solved numerically for a fluid-filled cylindrical cannister that is spinning and nutating. The motion of the cannister is characteristic of that experienced by spin-stabilized artillery projectiles. Equations for the internal fluid motion are derived in a non-inertial aeroballistic coordinate system. Steady-state numerical solutions are obtained by an iterative finite-difference procedure. Flow fields and liquid induced moments have been calculated for viscosities in the range of 0.9 × 104−1 × 109 cSt. The nature of the three-dimensional fluid motion inside the cylinder is discussed, and the moments generated by the fluid are explained. The calculated moments generally agree with experimental measurements.