Hybrid optimization approach for rapid endo-atmospheric ascent trajectory planning
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to propose a hybrid optimization approach with high level of solving precision and efficiency for endo-atmospheric ascent trajectory planning of launch vehicles.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on the indirect method of optimal control problems, the optimal endo-atmospheric ascent problem with path constraints and final condition constraints is transformed into a Hamiltonian two point boundary value problem (TPBVP). An advanced Gauss pseudo-spectral method is applied to change the Hamiltonian TPBVP into a system of nonlinear algebraic equations, which is solved by a modified Newton method. To guarantee the convergence of the solution, analytical initial guess technology and homotopy technology are also introduced. At last, simulation tests are made.
Findings
The hybrid approach for optimal endo-atmospheric ascent trajectory planning has both fast convergence rate and high solution precision. The simulation results indicate that not only the proposed method is feasible but also it is better than the indirect method, which is a most popular approach for solving the optimal endo-atmospheric ascent problem. Given the same degree of solution accuracy, the new method consumes quite less time on the CPU than that of the indirect method.
Practical implications
The new optimization approach has high level of both solution accuracy and efficiency. It can be used in rapid trajectory designing, on-line trajectory planning and closed-loop guidance of launch vehicles. Also, the proposed Gauss pseudo-spectral method in this paper is a new and efficient method for solving general TPBVPs.
Originality/value
The paper provides a new hybrid optimization method for rapid endo-atmospheric ascent trajectory planning of launch vehicles.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This work is supported by the National Nature Science Fund of China (Grant No. 61403100), the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (Grant No. HIT.NSRIF.2015037) and the open National Defense Key Disciplines Laboratory of Exploration of Deep Space Landing and Return Control Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology (Grant No. HIT.KLOF.2013.079).
Citation
Huang, P., Wei, C., Gu, Y. and Cui, N. (2016), "Hybrid optimization approach for rapid endo-atmospheric ascent trajectory planning", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 88 No. 4, pp. 473-479. https://doi.org/10.1108/AEAT-01-2015-0005
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2016, Emerald Group Publishing Limited