A Novel Optical Technique to Study the Flow Field Around a Sub-Calibre Projectile

Due to the movement of a projectile at supersonic speed, shock waves are formed around the projectile in the flow field. The detail understanding of the flow field associated with shock waves assist the designer to optimize the shape of the projectile. In this paper a novel optical technique based on Background Oriented Schlieren method has been adapted for the study of the flow field associated with the shock wave due a saboted sub-caliber projectile moving at supersonic speed. The shock fronts associated with the sabot are clearly visible in addition to the leading shock front due to the shot.