Dynamic behavior of a wheeled rocket launcher using transfer matrix method of multibody system

Abstract

Abstract One of the most sophisticated causes of unguided rocket dispersion is the uncertainties in launch conditions. This arises due to the fact that a launcher, in reality, shows dynamic behavior as it is a multibody system. This paper investigates the dynamic behavior of a wheeled rocket launcher that is loaded on a vehicle. The launcher and vehicle system are modeled as a multibody system using the transfer matrix method of multibody system (TMM). TMM is chosen due to its suitability for linear systems and its ability to obtain the overall transfer matrix for the entire system by performing successive matrix multiplications of the individual body’s matrix, thereby avoiding the complexity of solving the overall dynamic equations of the system. The developed dynamic model is then validated by comparing its results with those in the open literature using the Lagrange approach. The study considers dynamic loads that result from the rocket motion on the launcher. A parametric study is conducted to address the impact of launcher structural aspects. By investigating the dynamic behavior of the wheeled rocket launcher, this study aims to enhance the understanding of its performance.