A Prediction of Aerial Shell and Comet Trajectories Using SHELLCALC©

Posted on January 18, 2007
 

John Harradine and Tom Smith

Abstract: This paper describes a model for predicting the path of aerial shells and Roman candle comets. This model, incorporated in a Microsoft® Excel-based freeware program, SHELLCALC©, predicts the trajectoryof these fireworks using point mass equations for range and height. These equations are modifi ed to take into consideration mortar/candle angle, launch altitude above sea level, wind speed and direction, comet consumption, air density and terrain, and incorporate an approximation of shell drift through tumbling motion and mortar balloting. The graphical output from the model also incorporates typical shell burst diameters.

Keywords: Shells, comets, ballistics, trajectory, fall-out

NOTE – a new version of the Shellcalc© program is now available  please click here

Ref: JPyro, Issue 22, 2005, pp9-15
(J22_9)

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Comments

4 Comments on A Prediction of Aerial Shell and Comet Trajectories Using SHELLCALC©

  1. toms on Sat, 20th Jan 2007 12:41 pm

    2. Shellcalc has now been adopted by the British Pyrotechnists Association for site and product specific Risk assessments of firework displays.

  2. VStrauch on Tue, 30th Oct 2007 12:33 pm

    3. Shellcalc is now used on my Suggestion by Slovenian Firework display Operators for Hazard or Risk Assessment connected to Magnus Effect, angle of Mortar and Wind.

    Dr Strauch from Ljubljana

  3. toms on Sat, 24th Apr 2010 3:02 pm

    4. Also see a follow-up paper at

    http://www.jpyro.com/wp/?p=1164

    Tom Smith

  4. ShellCalc© V4.12 : Journal of Pyrotechnics Archive on Fri, 23rd Jul 2010 7:36 am

    5. [...] A new version of the Shellcalc© program is now available.  The original paper describing the program is available here. [...]

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