Work done on algorithms for the numerical solutions of optimal control problems and their application to the computation of optimal flight trajectories of aircraft and spacecraft is summarized. General considerations on calculus of variations, optimal control, numerical algorithms, and applications of these algorithms to real-world problems are presented. The sequential gradient-restoration algorithm (SGRA) is examined for the numerical solution of optimal control problems of the Bolza type. Both the primal formulation and the dual formulation are discussed. Aircraft trajectories, in particular, the application of the dual sequential gradient-restoration algorithm (DSGRA) to the determination of optimal flight trajectories in the presence of windshear are described. Both take-off trajectories and abort landing trajectories are discussed. Take-off trajectories are optimized by minimizing the peak deviation of the absolute path inclination from a reference value. Abort landing trajectories are optimized by minimizing the peak drop of altitude from a reference value. Abort landing trajectories are optimized by minimizing the peak drop of altitude from a reference value. The survival capability of an aircraft in a severe windshear is discussed, and the optimal trajectories are found to be superior to both constant pitch trajectories and maximum angle of attack trajectories. Spacecraft trajectories, in particular, the application of the primal sequential gradient-restoration algorithm (PSGRA) to the determination of optimal flight trajectories for aeroassisted orbital transfer are examined. Both the coplanar case and the noncoplanar case are discussed within the frame of three problems: minimization of the total characteristic velocity; minimization of the time integral of the square of the path inclination; and minimization of the peak heating rate. The solution of the second problem is called nearly-grazing solution, and its merits are pointed out as a useful engineering compromise between energy requirements and aerodynamics heating requirements.
Optimal Trajectories of Aircraft and Spacecraft
1990
56 pages
Report
No indication
English
Aeronautics , Spacecraft Trajectories & Flight Mechanics , Flight paths , Optimal control , Spacecraft trajectories , Takeoff , Abort trajectories , Aerodynamic heating , Algorithms , Bolza problems , Energy requirements , Aeroassist , Angle of attack , Calculus of variations , Planar structures , Problem solving , Transfer orbits , Wind shear , Computaitonal fluid dynamics
Optimal spacecraft trajectories
TIBKAT | 2018
|Optimal finite-thrust spacecraft trajectories
AIAA | 1992
|OPTIMAL SPACECRAFT TRAJECTORIES UNDER UNCERTAINTIES
TIBKAT | 2021
|Programs To Optimize Spacecraft and Aircraft Trajectories
Online Contents | 1994