This part (Chapters 12–15) introduces some important engineering applications to solve international hotspot problems in the weapons field using the transfer matrix method for multibody systems (MSTMM) and the library of transfer matrices. The application of the linear MSTMM to the launch dynamics of a multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) is introduced in Chapter 12, the application of linear MSTMM to the launch dynamics of self‐propelled artillery is introduced in Chapter 13 and the application of the discrete time transfer matrix method for multibody systems (MSDTTMM) to the launch dynamics of shipboard launch systems is introduced in Chapter 14. The library of transfer matrices for linear and nonlinear multibody systems is given in Chapter 15.

Based on the MSTMM, the theory and technology of the launch dynamics of a multibody system and its numerical simulation system have been established by the authors, including the launch dynamics of MLRSs [87–101], self‐propelled artillery [102–111], shipboard guns [112, 113] and super high‐firing frequency weapons [114]. They have been used to study fuze mechanism dynamics [115, 116] and spacecraft dynamics [117], and to improve the firing precision of missiles [118]. A new theoretical computing and test evaluating method for the firing dispersion of weapons has also been developed [110–127]. The first equipment and test technology for simulating the rotation, nutation and precession of projectiles with high spin speed has been demonstrated [128–130], as has the equipment and test technology for measuring the pose of projectiles moving in a gun tube and the initial disturbance of large caliber projectiles [131]. These theories of launch dynamics and simulation results of systems based on the MSTMM have been proved by a series of tests and have played a very important role in weapon design, research, test and assessment. These theories of launch dynamics and the simulation results of systems based on the MSTMM are important tools to improve and evaluate the performance of weapon systems such as firing dispersion, and for which there are 22 important key engineering projects, including 12 aspects of the National High‐Tech Project, which have been solved and have produced an economic benefit of more than a hundred million yuan. The established technology for reducing the number of rockets consumed by MLRS firing dispersion tests decreases the consumption by 50–86% compared with the general test method in firing dispersion tests for many kinds of MLRSs, which has achieved the highest level in the world. The technology for improving the firing dispersion makes the firing dispersion of many MLRSs achieve the international leading level. These engineering results indicate the powerful function of the MSTMM.