Proceeding of the 12-th ASAT Conference, 29-31 May 2007 APM-01 1

Military Technical 12-th International

College Conference on
Kobry El-Kobba Aerospace Sciences &
Cairo, Egypt Aviation Technology

EXPERIMENTAL MEASUREMENTS OF MISSILE DYNAMIC

CHARACTERISTICS

G.A. El-Sheikh ♣ and A-N. Zayed ♠

ABSTRACT
Determination of a missile dynamic characteristics or parameters and aerodynamic
derivatives are indispensable when analyzing the flight path trajectory. The missile
dynamic parameters include its center of pressure (c.p.) location, the center of gravity
(c.g.) location and the moments of inertia around the principal axes. These
parameters can be determined either by the vectorial sum of those for individual
sections in the missile or globally by measurement with appropriate laboratory
installations. The experimental measurements are considered the more accurate as it
considers the interactions or interferences between different parts of the missile body
with different sources of anomalies. Therefore, this paper is devoted to describe the
procedure of measuring the missile c.g. and moments of inertia experimentally. Then,
it is complemented with a numerical case study for its justification.
KEYWORDS:

Guidance and Control, Aerodynamics, Mechanics of Flight

1- THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
1.1 Introduction
Determination of the aerodynamic derivatives is considered as an essential
procedure when analyzing the flight path trajectory, where the aerodynamic forces
and moments are the main parameters that determine its flight dynamics. As
accurately these derivatives are calculated, as accurately the flight path trajectory is
determined and consequently the autopilot to be designed. The evaluation or
enhancement of the guidance, control, and autopilot behavior necessitates a three-
dimensional representation of the aerodynamic coefficients for forces and moments.
The intent of this representation is to be able to analyze the missile performance
throughout its potential operational regimes. The six-degree-of-freedom trajectory
simulation, using these three dimensional data, can be used to predict the missile
performance against maneuvering targets and to troubleshoot flight problems by
reconstructing the flight trajectory from on-board measurements of missile
parameters. Aerodynamic forces and moments acting on the missile depend on a set

♣
Science Valley Academy (SVA), High Institute of Engineering and Technology
♠
Egyptian Armed Forces
Proceeding of the 12-th ASAT Conference, 29-31 May 2007 APM-01 2

of aerodynamic coefficients. Wind tunnel tests are considered as the accurate way
for estimating these aerodynamic coefficients. However for the theoretical estimation,
these coefficients are obtained by the computational fluid dynamics calculations. It is
usual to incorporate the aerodynamic descriptions in the equations of motion in the
form of aerodynamic stability derivatives. These derivatives are calculated for the
body and each of the aerodynamic surfaces, together with estimates for the
interference effects of the various components on each other and for different Mach
numbers.

This paper is devoted to describe the procedure of measuring the missile c.g. and
moments of inertia experimentally and it is complemented with a numerical example
for its justification. Since, the position of missile c.g., mass and moments of inertia
depend on the fuel consumption and to simplify the computations, the time
dependence of these parameters is considered to be linear. That is, the values of
these variables can be calculated at any instant if the corresponding values at
ignition and at burnout of the missile motor were known. The c.g. measurements
include the longitudinal and lateral components while the moment of inertial
measurement include the pitch, yaw and roll components along the body axes. By
experimentation one can obtain accurate values for the missile c.g. location and its
moments of inertia. It is believed that this approach and the algorithmic steps
presented in the paper will be quit helpful for both academic colleagues and for the
engineers working in practice concerned with that field.

1.2 Center of Gravity

The position of the center of gravity may be determined by applying a nonzero
moment relative to it and yet have a zero moment applied relative to the origin of the
body-fixed coordinate system as depicted by the following equation:
∑ ri ∗ Fi = 0 (1)

Where; Fi is the ith applied force vector, and ri is the position vector from origin of
body-fixed coordinate system to the point of Fi application. However, to determine
the center of gravity position of the missile, the center of gravity position of each
section is to be determined. Then, the total center of gravity position of the missile
can be determined by:
n
∑ x cg m i
x cg = i =1
i
(2)
m
Where x cgi is the center of gravity of the part number i, mi is the mass of that part,
and m is the total missile mass.

Assuming that the distances, to the center of gravity of each part, are measured from
the rear end of the missile as shown in Fig.1 where the nose is taken as a conical
shape and all of the wings, fins and canards are taken as right trapezoidal. For
simplicity, the wings, fins and canards are assumed of homogeneous distributed
mass.
Proceeding of the 12-th ASAT Conference, 29-31 May 2007 APM-01 3

1.3 Center of pressure

The position of the total missile center of pressure x cp is given by the following
relation:
x Fa c αy 1 + x Fδ c δy 1
x cp = (3)
c αy 1 + c δy 1
Where x Fa is the neutral point due to angle of attack, x Fδ is the neutral point due to
the control surface deflection, C αy1 is the lift force derivative due to the angle of attack,
and C δy1 is the lift force derivative due to the elevator deflection, for more details refer
to [1]. When the center of pressure is behind the center of gravity, the missile is
called statically stable. In the subsonic range, the Mach number causes the center of
pressure to increase and goes back from the missile nose. While, in the supersonic
range as the Mach number increases the center of pressure goes forward the missile
nose [2].

Fig. 1 Locations of the centers of gravity of the main parts of a missile

1.4 Dynamic point
The dynamic point of the missile is given by the following relation:
ωz
m
x damp = x cp −
z1
(4)
μ
Where x damp is the relative missile dynamic point with respect to the missile reference
length l ref , x cp is the relative missile center of pressure with respect to the missile
reference length, m ωz1z is the pitch moment derivative due to the missile pitching angle
rate and μ is given by:
2 m
μ = (5)
ρ s ref l ref

If the missile mass is higher than m ωz1 z , then the factor μ is higher than m ωz1 z and
consequently the term ( m ωz1z / μ ) is very small with respect to x cp . This means that the
Proceeding of the 12-th ASAT Conference, 29-31 May 2007 APM-01 4

missile dynamic point is very close to the center of pressure, and then the damping
coefficient of the missile dynamics is small.

1.5 Moments of inertia

The moments of inertia of the missile can be determined depending on the definition
of the kinetic energy. Where in the case of moment-free-motion, the rotational kinetic
energy is conserved and hence the following equation defines an ellipsoid in the
body-fixed coordinate system:
ω
& I ω = 2 K Er (6)
where ω is the angular rate vector in the body-fixed coordinate system, I ω is the
inertia matrix relative to the center of gravity in body-fixed coordinate system, and
K E r is the rotational kinetic energy. Then by measuring the angular rate vector in the
body-fixed coordinate system, the inertia matrix relative to the center of gravity in
body-fixed coordinate system can be determined. However, to determine the
moments of inertia of the missile about the axes passing from its center of gravity, the
moment of inertia of each section about the axes passing from its center of gravity is
determined. Then, the total moments of inertia of the missile are determined. This
procedure is carried out at the instants t o , t 1 , and t 2 . A linear varying moment of
inertia of the missile with time between these instants is considered as follows:
⎧ t − to
⎪⎪I( t o ) − [I( t o ) − I( t 1 )] t − t for t o ≤ t ≤ t 1
I( t ) = ⎨ 1 o
(7)
t − t1
⎪I( t 1 ) − [I( t 1 ) − I( t 2 )] for t 1 < t ≤ t 2
⎪⎩ t 2 − t1

The total moments of inertia of the missile about the axes passing from its center of
gravity are determined by the following relations:
n
I X = ∑ I Xi (8.a)
i =1
n
I Y = ∑ I Yi (8.b)
i =1

I Z = IY (8.c)
Where I X , I Y , and I Z are the total missile moments of inertia about the axes
passing from its center of gravity, while I Xi , I Yi , and I Zi are the individual parts’
moments of inertia about the axes passing from the missile center of gravity. The
missile moments of inertia about the x and y axes passing from its center of gravity
decrease with time in the boosted and sustained stages; during burning time. After
burnout the missile moments of inertia are constant whereas no fuel consumption.

2- DETERMINATION OF MISSILE C.G. LOCATION

Physical measurements on a hypothetical missile are to be made such that the mass
properties of the missile include the total weight, longitudinal and radial center of
gravity, and moments of inertia (roll, pitch, and yaw). Two specially designed
aluminum rings are placed at structural bulkheads on the missile body. One ring is
placed forward and the other ring is placed aft near the missile fin surfaces as shown
in Fig. 2. Load cells are attached via cables to the aluminum rings and the entire test
Proceeding of the 12-th ASAT Conference, 29-31 May 2007 APM-01 5

fixture is attached to an overhead I-beam. The load cells are nulled for weights of the
test fixture before the missile is inserted into the aluminum holding rings. With the
missile inserted into the test fixture, a set of load cell readings is to be taken at each
90 o rotation of the missile as indicated in Fig. 3. The geometry of the test fixture and
the load cell readings at each missile orientation served as input data for calculating
the total weight, radial c.g. location, and longitudinal c.g. location. The missile c.g. is
characterized by longitudinal component (related to the missile longitudinal axis) and
radial components related to the lateral axes. To clarify this process, a case study is
considered in a later section.

W1
90º W3
W3 W2
Y W2 X

Aft adapter ring Fwd adapter ring

Z wT
180º º d3
0 d4
d3 d2 d2 xm
d1
Back view
forward looking
Fig. 2: Missile suspension for c.g. calculation
270º
The objective is to determine the total weight and the position of the center of gravity
for the hypothetical missile using the following procedure:
1- The missile is suspended as shown in Fig. 2.
2- The load cells are nulled for weights of the test
fixture before insertion of the test item. The
following parameters will be recorded:
{ w 1 , w 2 , w 3 } are weight meters used to represent
the respective load cells reading (in lbs or kg), and
{ d 1 , d 2 , d 3 , d 4 } are distances from respective load
cells to respective test/reference points; Fig. 2.
Fig. 3: Back view of the missile
Specifically, { d 1 , d 4 } are distances from adapter
rings to the aft end of the missile while { d 2 , d 3 } are distances from the back
load cells (2 & 3) to the test longitudinal centerline of the missile.

2.1 Total weight

The total weight w T of the underlying missile can be obtained as follows:
w T = w 1av + w 2av + w 3av (9)

2.2 Longitudinal c.g.

The longitudinal c.g. of the underlying missile can be obtained via the balance of
moments at a reference point as follows:
The summation of moments about the aft end of the missile is zero i.e.
Proceeding of the 12-th ASAT Conference, 29-31 May 2007 APM-01 6

w 1av d 1 + w 2av d 4 + w 3av d 4 − w T x m = 0 (10)

Where x m represents the position of the longitudinal c.g. from the aft end and
given as
w 1 d 1 + w 2av d 4 + w 3av d 4
x m = av (11)
w T

2.3 Lateral c.g.

The radial (lateral displacement of the) c.g. of the underlying missile can be
obtained via the balance of respective moments at a reference point as follows:
0º 180º
W3 W2 W3 W2
Z

y1 y2
Y Y 90º
90º 270º 270º
d3 d2 d3 d2

WT
WT o 180 o
0

Z
º º
180 0
Fig. 4: Suspension with 0 up º Fig. 5: Suspension with 180º up

2.3.1 Y-axis component

As illustrated in Fig. 4, if w 2 is greater than w 3 , then the lateral displacement of the
c.g. is toward the 270º direction and thus the summation of moments about the
centerline of the missile is zero i.e.
w 2 d 2 − w 3 d 3 − w T o y1 = 0 (12)
0

Where y1 represents the position of the radial c.g. from the centerline and given as
w d − w3 d3
y1 = 2 2 (13)
wT o
o

In reference to Fig. 5, if w 3 is greater than w 2 , then the lateral displacement of the

c.g. is toward the 270º direction and thus the summation of moments about the
centerline of the missile is zero i.e.
w 2 d2 − w3 d3 + w T o y2 = 0 (14)
180

Where y 2 represents the position of the radial c.g. from the centerline and given as
w d − w2 d2
y2 = 3 3 (15)
wT o
180

Thus, the coordinate of the missile radial c.g. w.r.t. the y-axis is given by
y + y2 (16)
ym = 1
2
Proceeding of the 12-th ASAT Conference, 29-31 May 2007 APM-01 7

Since y1 > y 2 , the radial c.g. component along the y-axis is toward y1 or toward 270 o
and consequently its reference diagram is given as –ve value.

2.3.2 Z-axis component

According to Fig. 6, if w 3 is greater than w 2 , then the lateral displacement of the c.g.
is toward the 180º direction and thus the summation of moments about the centerline
of the missile is zero i.e.
w 2 d 2 − w 3 d 3 + w T o z1 = 0 (17)
90

Where z 1 represents the position of the radial c.g. from the centerline and given as
w d − w 2 d2
z1 = 3 3 (18)
wT o
90

As shown in Fig. 7, if w 2 is greater than w 3 , then the lateral displacement of the c.g.
is toward the 270º direction and thus the summation of moments about the centerline
of the missile is zero i.e.
w 2 d2 − w 3 d3 − w T o z2 = 0 (19)
270

Where z 2 represents the position of the radial c.g. from the centerline and given as
w d − w3 d3
z2 = 2 2 (20)
wT o
270

Now, the coordinate of the missile radial c.g. w.r.t. the z-axis is given by
z + z2
zm = 1
2
Since z 2 > z 1 , the radial c.g. component along the z-axis is toward z 2 or toward 180 o
and consequently its reference diagram is given as –ve value.

Finally, the c.g. of the underlying missile w.r.t. its aft end and body axes is initially at
the following coordinates:
x cg = [x m y m z m ] (21)

90º 270º
W3 W2 W3 W2
Y

z1 z2
Z Z
180º 0º 0º 180º
d3 d2 d3 d2

WT WT
90 o 270 o

Y
270º 90º
Fig. 6: Suspension with 90º up Fig. 7: Suspension with 270º up
Proceeding of the 12-th ASAT Conference, 29-31 May 2007 APM-01 8

3- DETERMINATION OF MISSILE MOMENTS OF INERTIA

3.1 Pitch and yaw moments of inertia
The pitch and yaw moments of inertia are measured using the bifilar (two supporting
cables) pendulum method with the cables 100 inches apart. The moment of inertia of
the supporting I-beam and related hardware is subtracted out of the measured
moments of inertia for the final result. The pitch moment is measured with 0 o
reference up. The yaw moment is found simply by repeating the experiment with the
missile rotated 90 o . Recorded test data and detailed calculations for the pitch and
yaw moments are given in a case study later.

3.2 Roll moment of inertia

3.2.1 Quadfilar pendulum method
The missile roll moment is calculated from roll moment measurements of component
parts. It is necessary to disassemble the missile to obtain the roll moment for two
reasons: the missile boat-tail would not structurally hold the entire missile weight and
the complete missile is too long for the facility. The missile is disassembled and
separate roll moments are measured for each of the following: booster section,
warhead, warhead cover, seeker, and ogive cover. The roll moment of inertia for
each component is measured using the quadfilar (4-cable) pendulum method. The
four cables are fastened to an overhead structure and the test item is placed on a
square plate held by the four cables, one at each corner. The individual roll moments
are added directly to yield the complete missile roll moment.

3.2.2 Rails method

The measurement of the roll moment of inertia is carried out using inclined rails, Fig.
8, and depends on the rocket design and configuration. If the rocket is a single piece,
that measurement will be carried out for the rocket as a whole. While for rockets
compound of multi-sections, the measurement will be carried out for each section,
individually, and the rocket roll moment of inertia is then calculated as the sum of the
roll inertia moments of all sections.

3.2.2.1 Single piece rocket

The following steps present the processes of measuring the roll moment of inertia:
a) Install two inclined rails
having inclination angle
"α" with the horizontal as
illustrated in Fig. 8.
b) Get a cylinder of length
"L" equal the same length
of the rocket, mass "m"
equals the same mass of
the rocket, and radius
"R1" very close to the
rocket radius "R2".
c) Put two stoppers at
positions "A" and "B"
separated with a distance Fig. 8 Installation of the rolling method
"S" where S is chosen as multiple of the cylinder circumference (S ≈ 2nπR1).
d) Locate the cylinder behind stopper B.
Proceeding of the 12-th ASAT Conference, 29-31 May 2007 APM-01 9

e) Remove stopper B to let the cylinder to roll down in the x-direction until it stopped at
stopper A. Measure the time of motion (rolling), from stopper B to stopper A, and
record that time as "t1". Note that the rolling should be with no sliding.
f) Repeat steps (d) and (e) for the rocket as a whole and measure and record the rolling
time as "t2".
g) The roll moment of inertia of the rocket may be calculated as follows [18]:
1 t2
Ir = m R 22 × 22 (22)
2 t1

3.2.2.2 Multi-section rocket

The missile roll moment is calculated from roll moment measurements of each
individual section. The missile is disassembled and separate roll moments are
measured for each of the following: booster section, warhead, warhead cover,
seeker, and ogive cover. The roll moment of inertia for each section is measured
using the method mentioned in the previous section 3.2.2.1. The individual roll
moments are added directly to yield the complete missile roll moment. Test data and
calculations for roll moments are carried out in an assignment later.

3.3 Missile inertia moments

The missile moments of inertia are characterized by a longitudinal component
(related to the missile longitudinal
axis) and lateral components
related to the lateral axes. These
moments of inertia can be
determined for the underlying L
missile using the following
ϕ
procedure:
1- The missile is suspended Aft adapter ring
θ
as shown in the Fig. 9, X
such that the mass center Fwd adapter ring
(or c.g.) be at the middle
between the two strings wT
2- Give the missile body an a a
initial angular displacement
lf
in the horizontal plane Fig. 9: Missile suspension for moments of inertia calculation
3- Release the body and
leave it to oscillate about
its c.g. and measure the
time of free oscillations using a stopwatch.
4- Repeat the above process (steps-2, 3) many times and record the number of
free oscillations in each case and the time elapsed for it.
5- Then, find the average period τ av of oscillation via dividing the total time by the
total number of oscillations.
6- Using the average period of oscillation τ av and the given data calculate the
moment of inertia according to relationships (23, 24, 25).
Proceeding of the 12-th ASAT Conference, 29-31 May 2007 APM-01 10

⎧ WT a 2 τ av2
k
⎪ − Im for pitch and yaw planes (23)
⎪ 1 6 π 2
L (12 )
⎪ WT a τ av k
2 2
I=⎨ − Im for roll; booster, warhead, seeker, seeker cover (24)
⎪ 4 π L (12
2
)
⎪ mass (d o2 + d i2 )
⎪ 2 for roll; warhead cover
(25)
⎩ 4

Keeping in mind that the difference between characteristics of different missile parts
and the inertia moment (pitch/yaw/roll) is to be calculated. The variables utilized in
these equations are k is the fixture correction factor, L is the element length, I m is the
inertia of mounting plate and the adaptation equipment, while d o and d i are,
respectively, the outer and inner diameters of the warhead cover. The average period
τ av of free oscillations for the underlying missile can be obtained as follows
total time of periods
τ av = (26)
total number of periods

The pitch ( I y ) and yaw ( I z ) moments of inertia for the underlying missile can be
obtained using the relationship (23). While, the roll moments of inertia for different
parts are obtained using Eqn (24) to yield the booster with umbilical ( I x ,b ), the
warhead ( I x , w ), the seeker ( I x , s ), the seeker ogive cover ( I x ,sc ), while the warhead
cover moment of inertia ( I x , wc ) is obtained using Eqn (25).

Now, the total roll inertia moment of the underlying missile is the sum of inertia
moments for all components as follows:
I x = I x ,b + I x , w + I x , wc + I x ,s + I x ,sc (27)
Finally, the moment of inertia of the underlying missile w.r.t. its body axes has the
[
values I x I y I z . ]
4- CASE STUDY
The underlying missile is aerodynamically controlled via tail control fins and has two
planes of symmetry.

4.1 Missile c.g.

Considering the previous equations (9, 11, 13, 15, 16, 18, 20) and the following
data;
- The recorded distances { d 1 , d 2 , d 3 , d 4 } are respectively 384.5[cm], 29.8[cm],
29.8[cm], and 118.4[cm]
- The recorded readings of the load cells at different angular positions of the
missile w.r.t. its longitudinal axis are listed in Table-1.

Then, the total weight w T of the underlying missile can be obtained as follows
w T = w 1av + w 2av + w 3av = 604 [kg]
Proceeding of the 12-th ASAT Conference, 29-31 May 2007 APM-01 11

Table-1: The load cells readings at different missile positions

Orientation w 1 [kg] w 2 [kg] w 3 [kg]

º
0 267 173 164
90º 267 167 170
180º 267 167 170
270º 267 176.5 160
Average 267 171 166

4.1.1 Longitudinal c.g.

The longitudinal c.g. of the underlying missile can be obtained via the balance of
moments at a reference point i.e. the summation of moments about the aft end of the
missile is zero. Then, the position of the longitudinal c.g. x m from the aft end is given
as
w 1 d 1 + w 2av d 4 + w 3av d 4
x m = av = 236 [cm]
wT

4.1.2 Lateral c.g.

• Y-Component
The radial (lateral displacement of the) c.g. of the underlying missile can be
obtained via the balance of respective moments at a reference point. The given
data show that w 2 (173 kg) is greater than w 3 (164 kg) and consequently the
lateral displacement of the c.g. is toward the 270º direction. Thus, the summation
of moments about the centerline of the missile is zero and the displacement
y1 represents the position of the radial c.g. from the centerline and given as
w d − w3 d3
y1 = 2 2 = 0.444 [cm]
wT o
o

It is clear from the given data and Fig. 5 that w 3 (170 kg) is greater than w 2 (167
kg) and consequently the lateral displacement of the c.g. is toward the 270º
direction. Thus, the summation of moments about the centerline of the missile is
zero and y 2 represents the position of the radial c.g. from the centerline and given
as
w d − w2 d2
y2 = 3 3 = 0.148 [cm]
wT o
180

Thus, the coordinate of the missile radial c.g. w.r.t. the y-axis is given by
y + y2
ym = 1 = 0.296 [cm]
2
Since y1 > y 2 , the radial c.g. component along the y-axis is toward y1 or toward
270 o and consequently its reference diagram is given as
y m = −0.296 [cm]
Proceeding of the 12-th ASAT Conference, 29-31 May 2007 APM-01 12

• Z-Component
The given data and Fig. 6 clarify that w 3 (170 kg) is greater than w 2 (167 kg) and
consequently the lateral displacement of the c.g. is toward the 180º direction.
Thus, the summation of moments about the centerline of the missile is zero and
z 1 represents the position of the radial c.g. from the centerline and given as
w d − w2 d2
z1 = 3 3 = 0.148 [cm]
wT o
90

The given data and Fig. 7 show that w 2 (176.5 kg) is greater than w 3 (160 kg)
and consequently the lateral displacement of the c.g. is toward the 270º direction.
Thus, the summation of moments about the centerline of the missile is zero and
z 2 represents the position of the radial c.g. from the centerline and given as
w d − w 3 d3
z2 = 2 2 = 0.815 [cm]
wT o
270

Now, the z-coordinate of the missile radial c.g. is given by

z + z2
zm = 1 = 0.482 [cm]
2
Since z 2 > z 1 , the radial c.g. component along the z-axis is toward z 2 or toward
180 o and consequently its reference diagram is given as z m = −0.482 [cm] .

Finally, the c.g. of the underlying missile w.r.t. its aft end and body axes is initially
at the following coordinates:
[x m y m z m ] = [236 − 0.296 − 0.482] [cm]
4.2 Missile moment of inertia
Considering the equations of section-3 and the following data,
- The fixture correction factor is given by
⎧0.996 for pitch and yaw planes
⎪
k = ⎨0.98475 for roll; booster
⎪0.97
⎩ for roll; warhead, seeker and seeker cover
- The total weight w T of the missile/element and mounting equipment {average
missile or element weight + beam weight + two cable adapters + forward
adapter + aft adapter + aft ring + fwd ring} is
⎧640 [kg] for pitch and yaw planes (missile + adaption)
⎪579 [kg] for roll; (booster + adaption)
⎪⎪
WT = ⎨87 [kg] for roll; (warhead + adaption)
⎪63.8 [kg] for roll; (seeker + adaption)
⎪
⎪⎩47.7 [kg ] for roll; (seeker cover + adaption)

- The inertia of mounting plate and the adaptation equipment {beam + two cable
adapters + fwd adapter + aft adapter + aft ring + fwd ring} is given by
Proceeding of the 12-th ASAT Conference, 29-31 May 2007 APM-01 13

⎧77.6 [kg − m 2 ] for pitch and yaw planes

⎪ 2
I m = ⎨9.7 [kg − m ] for roll; booster
⎪3.05 [kg − m ]
2
for roll; warhead, seeker and seeker cover
⎩
- The cable length
⎧7.14 [m] for pitch and yaw planes
⎪
L = ⎨7.93 [m] for roll; booster
⎪4.79 [m]
⎩ for roll; warhead, seeker and seeker cover
- The distance from the mass center (of the missile/element under test) to the
supporting cable is given as
⎧254 [cm] for pitch and yaw planes
⎪
a = ⎨61 [cm] for roll; booster
⎪49 [cm]
⎩ for roll; warhead, seeker and seeker cover
- The recorded data of free oscillations for four trials are listed with the obtained
dynamics in the following tables:

Pitch moment of inertia Yaw moment of inertia

Trial No of Periods Trial time No of Periods Trial time
1 25 139 25 139.1
2 25 139.1 25 139
3 25 139 25 139.1
4 25 138.8 25 139
Total 100 555.9 [sec] 100 556.2 [sec]
τ av 5.559 [sec] 5.562 [sec]
I I y = 1028.96 [kg − m 2 ] I z = 1030.16 [kg − m 2 ]

Roll moment of inertia

Booster with umbilical Warhead Seeker
Trial No of Periods Trial time No of Periods Trial time No of Periods Trial time
1 10 18.1 25 45.4 25 52.1
2 10 18.1 25 45.4 25 52.1
3 10 18.1 25 45.4 25 52.2
4 10 18.1 25 45.3 25 52.1
Total 40 72.4 [sec] 100 181.5 [sec] 100 208.5 [sec]
τ av = 1.815 [sec] τ av = 1.815 [sec] τ av = 2.085 [sec]
I x ,b = 12.16 [kg − m 2 ] I x , w = 0.46 [kg − m 2 ] I x ,s = 0.37 [kg − m 2 ]
Proceeding of the 12-th ASAT Conference, 29-31 May 2007 APM-01 14

Seeker ogive cover Warhead cover

Trial No of Periods Trial time The warhead cover has a
1 25 59.7 mass = 2.4 [kg], outer
2 25 59.5 diameter do= 0.33 [m] and
3 25 59.65 inner diameter di= 0.326
[m].
4 25 59.6
Total 100 238.45
[sec]
τ av = 2.3845 [sec]
I x ,sc = 0.26 [kg − m 2 ] I x , wc = 0.0646 [kg − m 2 ]

Thus, the total roll inertia moment of the missile is the sum of inertia moments
for all components as follows:
Ix = I x ,b + I x , w + I x , wc + I x ,s + I x ,sc
= 12.16 + 0.46 + 0.0646 + 0.37 + 0.26
= 13.3146 [kg − m 2 ]
Finally, the moment of inertia of the underlying missile w.r.t. its body axes has the
following values:
[ ]
I x I y I z = [13.3146 1028.96 1030.16] [kg − m 2 ]

CONCLUSIONS
This paper described the procedure of measuring the missile c.g. and moments of
inertia experimentally and then, it is complemented with a numerical case study for its
justification. The c.g. measurements include the longitudinal and lateral components
while the moment of inertia measurement include the pitch, yaw and roll components
along the body axes. By experimentation one can obtain accurate values for the
missile c.g. location and its moments of inertia. It is believed that this approach and
the algorithmic steps presented in the paper will be quit helpful for both academic
colleagues and for the engineers working in practice concerned with that field.

REFERENCES
[1] Cimbala, J.M., Mechanical Engineering Measurements, ME-82 course web
pages at http://www.me.psu.edu/me82/
[2] Chernobrobkin, L., Dynamic Flight of Non Pilot Vehicle, Moscow, 1973.
[3] Cook, M.V., Flight Dynamics Principles, AIAA, 1996.
[4] Edelson, B., and Allen E.F., Thrust and Drag: Its Prediction and Verification,
National Aeronautics and Space Administration, 1985.
[5] Emil, J. (Ed.), Test and Evaluation of The Tactical Missile, AIAA, 1989.
[6] "Eric Weisstein's World of Physics: Torsional Pendulum" from
http://scienceworld.wolfram.com/physics/TorsionalPendulum.html Courtesy of
Wolfram Research Inc.
Proceeding of the 12-th ASAT Conference, 29-31 May 2007 APM-01 15

[7] "Eric Weisstein's World of Physics: Moment of Inertia" from

http://scienceworld.wolfram.com/physics/MomentOfInertia.html Courtesy of
Wolfram Research Inc.
[8] Hemsch, M. J. (Ed.), Tactical Missile Aerodynamics: General Topics, AIAA, vol.
141, 1992.
[9] John, J.B., Aerodynamics for Engineers, AIAA, 1989.
[10] Krasnov, N.F., Methods of Aerodynamic Calculations, Mir Publishers, Moscow,
1985.
[11] Mendenhall, M.R. (Ed.), Tactical Missile Aerodynamics: Prediction
Methodology, AIAA, vol. 142, 1996
[12] Meriam J.L. and L.G. Kraige, Engineering Mechanics: Dynamics, Fourth
Edition, John Wiley and Sons, 1997.
[13] Morelli, A. E., and Klein V., Accuracy of Aerodynamic Model Parameters
Estimated from Flight Test Data, Journal of Guidance, Control, and Dynamics,
vol.20, No. 1, 1997, pp. 74-80.
[14] Pitts, W.C., and J.N. Kaatarari, Lift and Center of Pressure of Wing-Body-Tail
Combination at Subsonic, Transonic, and Supersonic Speeds, NASA Report
1307.
[15] Steven, J.Z., Soviet Air Defense Missiles, U.K., 1989.
[16] Watanabe, S., and Ishimoto S., Aerodynamic Characteristics Evaluation of
Hypersonic Flight Experiment Vehicle Based On Flight Data, Journal of
Spacecraft and Rockets, vol. 34, No. 4, 1997, pp. 464-470.
[17] Web Cutter Mechanism image scanned by Professor H. J. Sommer from
Edward Haug. Computer Aided Kinematics and Dynamics of Mechanical
Systems, Volume 1. Allyn and Bacon. 1989.
[18] Zayed, A-N., Rocket Testing, Military Technical College, PL 1914, October
2002.