MISL3

Fast-running, engineering-level missile aerodynamics predictions for analysis and design. MISL3 efficiently predicts longitudinal and lateral aerodynamic characteristics including damping derivatives and is essential for generating aerodynamic data bases for flight simulations. Models axisymmetric bodies with up to three cruciform fin sections - fully deflectable fins. Bodies may have conical changes in body diameter - flares and boattails. Based on high resolution, high angle-of-attack, experimental data bases and advanced equivalent angle-of-attack concept.

MISL3 (2006) is the latest version of the NEAR engineering-level missile aerodynamic prediction software, which includes the ability to handle configurations with arbitrary interdigitation between fin sets. Previous versions of this software have included M3FLR (1998), M3HAX (1996), M3F3CA (1991), MISL3 (1989), and MISSILE 3 (1986).

Applicable Configurations Up to 3 fin sections  1,2,3,4 or 8 fins per fin section  0.25 < fin aspect ratio, AR < 10  0 < fin taper ratio < 1  Fins with aspect ratio between 1.0 and 4.0 can be deflected (control fins)		PITCH PLANE AND  ROLLING MOMENT CHARACTERISTICS VELOCITY FIELDS AT TAIL FIN LEADING EDGE FREE-TO-ROTATE TAIL SECTION CHARACTERISTICS
	Range of Flow Parameters Subsonic, transonic, supersonic Mach numbers  Angles of attack up to 90 deg  Roll angle is arbitrary  Fin deflection angles up to 40 deg  Interdigitation angles between fin sets arbitrary
Important Modeling Features Nonlinear compressibility effects at high angles of attack  Nonlinear effects of body and fin vortices  Nonlinear fin/body gap effects  Damping effects due to rotational rates (p,q,r)  Effects of user-specified nonuniform flow		Output Options Detailed output file  TECPLOT© compatible graphics and spreadsheet files  Spreadsheet compatible files
Aerodynamic Quantities Computed
Overall 6-DOF forces and moments: axial, side, and normal forces rolling, pitching, and yawing moments Aerodynamic Damping Coefficients due to Rotational Rates Detailed axial force breakdown  Body load distribution		Fin forces and moments:  Fin axial and normal forces  Fin hinge and bending moments

MISL3 is available for PCs (Windows, linux) and most workstation computers. For maximum utility of the code, NEAR recommends a two-day training course which includes interpretation of the output and "hands-on" code running.

Papers on MISL3 engineering-level missile aerodynamic prediction:

• Prediction of the Nonlinear Aerodynamic Characteristics of Tandem-control and Rolling-Tail Missiles,
  Daniel J. Lesieutre, John F. Love, and Marnix F. E. Dillenius
  [available as AIAA Paper 2002-4511][PDF file, 541 KB]

• Recent Applications and Improvements to the Engineering-Level Aerodynamic Prediction Software MISL3,
  Daniel J. Lesieutre, John F. Love, and Marnix F. E. Dillenius
  [available as AIAA Paper 2002-0275][PDF file, 518 KB]

• High Angle of Attack Missile Aerodynamics Including Rotational Rates - Program M3HAX ,
  Daniel J. Lesieutre, John F. Love, and Marnix F. E. Dillenius
  [available as AIAA Paper 96-3392][PDF file, 273 KB]

• Engineering, Intermediate, and High Level Aerodynamic Prediction Methods and Applications ,
  Marnix F. E. Dillenius, Daniel J. Lesieutre, Martin C. Hegedus,
  Stanley C. Perkins, Jr., John F. Love, and Teresa O. Lesieutre
  [available as AIAA Paper 97-2278]

• Prediction of Induced Roll on Conventional Missiles with Cruciform Fin Sections ,
  Daniel J. Lesieutre, Michael R. Mendenhall, and Marnix F. E. Dillenius
  [available as AIAA Paper 88-0529]

• Aerodynamic Characteristics of Cruciform Missiles at High Angles of Attack ,
  Daniel J. Lesieutre, Michael J. Hemsch, Michael R. Mendenhall, and Susana M. Nazario
  [available as AIAA Paper 87-0212]