AAS 98-129

AN ALGORITHM FOR SIMULATION OF MOTIONS OF 'VARIABLE MASS' SYSTEMS

S. Djerassi - Haifa, Israel

Abstract

This paper deals with two kinds of 'variable mass' systems, namely, 'continuously' particle-ejecting (capturing) systems, such as rockets; and 'discretely' particle-ejecting (capturing) systems, such as automatic weapons (that fire rounds, one at a time). A new algorithm for the simulation of motions of such systems is introduced. Accordingly, the effect of the expulsion and/or capture of particles on the motion of the system is presented as changes in the integration variables, evaluated, in connection with numerical solutions of the motion equations, at each integration step.

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