Creating a predictive statistical model for catching 155mm artillery projectiles

The Armament Research and Development Center at Picatinny Arsenal has developed a Soft Catch Gun system that that fires a 155mm projectile through a 170-meter tube containing a series of mechanisms meant to decelerate and ultimately catch the projectile. The goal of the "soft catch" is to determine whether sensor and guidance components added to the projectiles can survive the extreme forces exerted during the launch. To date, various sources of variability have resulted in a 63% success rate after more than 700 shots. This research aims to improve the system catch rate by creating a predictive statistical model that will assist operators in determining specific settings for system inputs given a projectile type and charge. Our approach uses analysis of system pressure gauges and regression techniques to characterize system behavior. Thereafter, robust parameter design and dual response surface techniques are applied to create a predictive model that will provide the air pressure and water mass parameters needed to reliably and effectively catch a round at the desired location. This will result in considerable savings in testing costs and facilitate more timely development and procurement of advanced artillery projectiles.