M433 Center of Mass Location Throughout Fuze Arming Cycle

The effects on the center of gravity of the M433 4O-mm round due to the arming of its M550 fuze while in flight were studied. The results of this study would be used to assist in determining whether this center of gravity change contributes to instabilities during the rounds flight. The study was performed using dynamic simulation software. A virtual model of the M433 round was built, and the location of the center of gravity was tracked throughout the arming cycle of the fuze. The results show that the center of gravity in the round does change throughout the fuzes arming cycle and the flight of the round. It is undetermined at this stage in the process whether these center of gravity changes contribute to the instabilities of the round in a substantial way. More testing and correlation with additional simulations is recommended before an final answers can be reached.