CFD Analysis of Bullet Aerodynamics Across Subsonic to Supersonic Regimes

Project Overview

Optimizing bullet aerodynamic performance is critical for minimizing drag, enhancing speed, and extending range. This project leveraged Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to analyze the intricate flow phenomena around a bullet across a broad velocity spectrum, from 50 m/s to 800 m/s. Using ANSYS Fluent, a detailed mesh was developed with local refinement, and the k-ω SST turbulence model was applied to accurately capture boundary layer effects. Air was modeled as an ideal gas at 300 K, and second-order spatial discretization schemes ensured solution accuracy. The simulations successfully quantified drag and provided comprehensive contours of Mach number, velocity, pressure, temperature, and density. Results revealed distinct flow regimes: at 800 m/s, significant shock waves formed with high-pressure stagnation points and compression heating, while lower velocities showed progressively smoother, predominantly subsonic flow with reduced aerodynamic loads. This study offers valuable insights for future bullet design optimization.