Measurement method for projectile velocity in vertical trajectory based on three parallel light screens

Abstract

To address the measurement limitations of traditional passive optoelectronic detection devices in testing the velocity of projectiles traveling along vertical trajectories, this paper proposes a velocity measurement method for projectiles with a vertical trajectory based on three parallel light screens. The proposed method addresses the limitations of the traditional uniform linear model which is restricted to calculating average velocity. By computing acceleration and instantaneous velocity along the vertical trajectory, it enhances measurement accuracy. Specifically, a velocity measurement model is developed for projectiles with vertical trajectories that incorporate deflection angle errors, gravitational effects and air resistance. These are key factors impacting the measurement accuracy of vertical trajectory velocity testing. Furthermore, numerical simulations are performed to analyse the characteristics of error variation. These results provide actionable guidance in practical measurement scenarios. Finally, field experiments are carried out to validate the feasibility of the proposed method and the applicability of the mathematical model. The results show that the velocity measurement relative error is no more than 0.18%. The proposed measurement method meets the requirements for testing the flight velocity of projectiles with vertical trajectories. It also provides a theoretical basis for research and technical implementation in related fields.