MISL3 Missile Aerodynamics Prediction Software High Angle of Attack, Angular Rates, Non-Uniform Flow Fields, Body Flares and Boattails, Arbitrary Interdigitation between Fin Sets

Fast-running, engineering-level missile aerodynamics predictions for analysis and design. MISL3 efficiently predicts longitudinal and lateral aerodyamic characteristics 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 boat tails. Based on high resolution, high angle-of-attack, experimental data bases and advanced equivalent angle-of-attack concept.

MISL3 is the lastest 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).


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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) 
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  • 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 
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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 
  • NEAR M3GX graphics files 
  • Amtec TECPLOT compatible files 
  • Spreadsheet compatible files 
Aerodynamic Quantities Computed
  • Overall 6-DOF forces and moments: axial, side, and normal forces rolling, pitching, and yawing moments 
  • Detailed axial force breakdown 
  • Body load distribution 
  • Fin forces and moments: 
    • Fin axial and normal forces 
    • Fin hinge and bending moments 
  • Pitch plane dynamic derivatives 
Additional Results

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:


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