On modeling and dynamics of a multiple launch rocket system

Abstract

Dynamics analysis is currently a key technique to fully understand the dynamic characteristics of sophisticated mechanical systems because it is a prerequisite for dynamic design and control studies. In this study, a dynamics analysis problem for a multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) is developed. We particularly focus on the deductions of equations governing the motion of the MLRS without rockets by using a transfer matrix method for multibody systems and the motion of rockets via the Newton–Euler method. By combining the two equations, the differential equations of the MLRS are obtained. The complete process of the rockets’ ignition, movement in the barrels, airborne flight, and landing is numerically simulated via the Monte Carlo stochastic method. An experiment is implemented to validate the proposed model and the corresponding numerical results.