JBM - Topics - Integration

A number of people have asked how to integrate the equations of motion with and still find the parameters of the trajectory at even yards (or meters). The trick is to change the variable of integration to a range variable instead of time. A list of variables are at the bottom of this page.

Changing Variables of Integration

From the discussion on CD and KD, we know that the acceleration of the bullet is

where

Rewrite the acceleration as a derivative

Define a coordinate system where y is the range variable, x and z are perpendicular to the trajectory where x is to the shooters right and z is up. Then rewrite the derivative d u / dt

But dy/dt is just the velocity in the y direction (down range) written u _y, then

This equation now provides the vector acceleration of the bullet as a function of range. Numerical integration in yard or meter increments provides a convenient method for finding trajectory parameters at even increments.

Variables