Optimal Trajectories in Atmospheric Flight


Book Description

Optimal Trajectories in Atmospheric Flight deals with the optimization of trajectories in atmospheric flight. The book begins with a simple treatment of functional optimization followed by a discussion of switching theory. It then presents the derivation of the general equations of motion along with the basic knowledge in aerodynamics and propulsion necessary for the analysis of atmospheric flight trajectories. It goes on to the study of optimal trajectories by providing the general properties of the optimal aerodynamic controls and the integrals of motion. This is followed by discussions of high subsonic and supersonic flight, and approximation techniques to reduce the order of the problem for a fast computation of the optimal trajectory. The final chapters present analyses of optimal reentry trajectories and orbital maneuvers. This book is intended as a reference text for scientists and engineers wanting to get into the subject of optimal trajectories in atmospheric flight. If used for teaching purposes, the book is written in a self-contained way so that a selective use of the material is at the discretion of the lecturer. The first 11 chapters are sufficient for a one-semester course with emphasis on optimal maneuvers of high performance aircraft.




Design of Trajectory Optimization Approach for Space Maneuver Vehicle Skip Entry Problems


Book Description

This book explores the design of optimal trajectories for space maneuver vehicles (SMVs) using optimal control-based techniques. It begins with a comprehensive introduction to and overview of three main approaches to trajectory optimization, and subsequently focuses on the design of a novel hybrid optimization strategy that combines an initial guess generator with an improved gradient-based inner optimizer. Further, it highlights the development of multi-objective spacecraft trajectory optimization problems, with a particular focus on multi-objective transcription methods and multi-objective evolutionary algorithms. In its final sections, the book studies spacecraft flight scenarios with noise-perturbed dynamics and probabilistic constraints, and designs and validates new chance-constrained optimal control frameworks. The comprehensive and systematic treatment of practical issues in spacecraft trajectory optimization is one of the book’s major features, making it particularly suited for readers who are seeking practical solutions in spacecraft trajectory optimization. It offers a valuable asset for researchers, engineers, and graduate students in GNC systems, engineering optimization, applied optimal control theory, etc.




Spacecraft Trajectory Optimization


Book Description

This is a long-overdue volume dedicated to space trajectory optimization. Interest in the subject has grown, as space missions of increasing levels of sophistication, complexity, and scientific return - hardly imaginable in the 1960s - have been designed and flown. Although the basic tools of optimization theory remain an accepted canon, there has been a revolution in the manner in which they are applied and in the development of numerical optimization. This volume purposely includes a variety of both analytical and numerical approaches to trajectory optimization. The choice of authors has been guided by the editor's intention to assemble the most expert and active researchers in the various specialities presented. The authors were given considerable freedom to choose their subjects, and although this may yield a somewhat eclectic volume, it also yields chapters written with palpable enthusiasm and relevance to contemporary problems.




Optimal Control with Aerospace Applications


Book Description

Want to know not just what makes rockets go up but how to do it optimally? Optimal control theory has become such an important field in aerospace engineering that no graduate student or practicing engineer can afford to be without a working knowledge of it. This is the first book that begins from scratch to teach the reader the basic principles of the calculus of variations, develop the necessary conditions step-by-step, and introduce the elementary computational techniques of optimal control. This book, with problems and an online solution manual, provides the graduate-level reader with enough introductory knowledge so that he or she can not only read the literature and study the next level textbook but can also apply the theory to find optimal solutions in practice. No more is needed than the usual background of an undergraduate engineering, science, or mathematics program: namely calculus, differential equations, and numerical integration. Although finding optimal solutions for these problems is a complex process involving the calculus of variations, the authors carefully lay out step-by-step the most important theorems and concepts. Numerous examples are worked to demonstrate how to apply the theories to everything from classical problems (e.g., crossing a river in minimum time) to engineering problems (e.g., minimum-fuel launch of a satellite). Throughout the book use is made of the time-optimal launch of a satellite into orbit as an important case study with detailed analysis of two examples: launch from the Moon and launch from Earth. For launching into the field of optimal solutions, look no further!




Optimization and Optimal Control in Automotive Systems


Book Description

This book demonstrates the use of the optimization techniques that are becoming essential to meet the increasing stringency and variety of requirements for automotive systems. It shows the reader how to move away from earlier approaches, based on some degree of heuristics, to the use of more and more common systematic methods. Even systematic methods can be developed and applied in a large number of forms so the text collects contributions from across the theory, methods and real-world automotive applications of optimization. Greater fuel economy, significant reductions in permissible emissions, new drivability requirements and the generally increasing complexity of automotive systems are among the criteria that the contributing authors set themselves to meet. In many cases multiple and often conflicting requirements give rise to multi-objective constrained optimization problems which are also considered. Some of these problems fall into the domain of the traditional multi-disciplinary optimization applied to system, sub-system or component design parameters and is performed based on system models; others require applications of optimization directly to experimental systems to determine either optimal calibration or the optimal control trajectory/control law. Optimization and Optimal Control in Automotive Systems reflects the state-of-the-art in and promotes a comprehensive approach to optimization in automotive systems by addressing its different facets, by discussing basic methods and showing practical approaches and specific applications of optimization to design and control problems for automotive systems. The book will be of interest both to academic researchers, either studying optimization or who have links with the automotive industry and to industrially-based engineers and automotive designers.




Dynamics and Control of Autonomous Space Vehicles and Robotics


Book Description

Presents the established principles underpinning space robotics with a thorough and modern approach. This text is perfect for professionals in the field looking to gain an understanding of real-life applications of manipulators on satellites, and of the dynamics of satellites carrying robotic manipulators and of planetary rovers.




Mechanics and Control


Book Description

The Workshop on Control Mechanics has been held at the University of South ern California annually since 1988 under the leadership of late Professor Janislaw M. Skowronski. The primary goal of Professor Skowronski in organizing this series of work shops was to promote the use of advanced mechanics method in control theory with a special emphasis on the control of nonlinear mechanical systems subject to uncertainty. This goal has been achieved through a consistent participation of a large number of researchers in the field of control and mechanics and an intensive exchange of their ideas. Professor Skowronski passed away unexpectedly on March 21, 1992, after the conclusion of the Fifth Workshop. The great success of the Fifth Workshop as well as the entire Control Mechanics Workshops over the years is almost exclusively due to his dedication, enthusiasm, and organizational capabilities. His untimely demise is a great loss to us and to the mechanics and control community. The proceedings of the Fifth Workshop presented in this volume are dedicated to Professor Angelo Miele, one of the pioneers and ,a leading contributor in many fields of control theory and its applications. His contribution spans a wide range of topics such as optimization theory, flight mechanics, astrodynamics, ocean engineering, and numerical methods. The presentations in the workshop reflected many of the areas in which Professor Miele has been active. The papers included in this volume are divided into three major groups of topics.




Advances in Guidance, Navigation and Control


Book Description

This book features the latest theoretical results and techniques in the field of guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) of vehicles and aircraft. It covers a range of topics, including, but not limited to, intelligent computing communication and control; new methods of navigation, estimation, and tracking; control of multiple moving objects; manned and autonomous unmanned systems; guidance, navigation, and control of miniature aircraft; and sensor systems for guidance, navigation, and control. Presenting recent advances in the form of illustrations, tables, and text, it also provides detailed information of a number of the studies, to offer readers insights for their own research. In addition, the book addresses fundamental concepts and studies in the development of GNC, making it a valuable resource for both beginners and researchers wanting to further their understanding of guidance, navigation, and control.







Space Trajectories


Book Description

Authoritative reference covering essential concepts of orbital mechanics and explaining how they relate to advanced space trajectory applications Space Trajectories is the first book to offer a comprehensive exploration of orbital mechanics and trajectory optimization in a single volume. Beginning with a review of essential concepts, the book progresses to advanced space applications, highlighting methods used in today's space missions. The contents are organized into three parts. The first part delves into free orbital motion, covering topics such as Keplerian motion, perturbed motion, the three-body problem, orbit determination, and collision risks in orbit. The second part focuses on controlled orbital motion, discussing impulsive transfer, orbital rendezvous, thrust level optimization, low-thrust transfer, and space debris cleaning. The third part examines ascent and reentry, including launch into orbit, launcher staging, analytical solutions in flat Earth, interplanetary missions, and atmospheric reentry. Each chapter is written in a modular way, featuring conclusion summaries, key points, and suggestions for further investigation. Examples are included with detailed solutions methods that readers can apply to solve their own trajectory problems. Written by an expert of the topic who has performed guidance of Ariane launchers for 30 years, Space Trajectories includes information on: Keplerian motion, motion time law, universal formulation, equinoctial parameters, and Lagrange coefficients Osculating orbit, Gauss equations, gravitational and third body perturbations, Lissajous and Halo orbits, and invariant manifolds Astrometry measurements, Kalman filtering, orbit uncertainties, and collision probability Transfer in one, two, or three impulses, minimum-energy transfer, Lambert's problem, high- and low-thrust transfer, and interplanetary path Launch and reentry trajectories, propulsion systems, optimized thrust profiles, and launcher staging Space Trajectories is an essential reference for students and researchers aiming to quickly understand the main issues in astrodynamics and the way to design trajectories, as well as space engineers seeking to consolidate their knowledge in the field of optimization and optimal control applied to aerospace and space missions.