Optimal finite-thrust spacecraft trajectories using direct transcription and nonlinear programming

"A class of methods for the numerical solution of optimal control problems is analyzed and applied to the optimization of finite-thrust spacecraft trajectories. These methods use discrete approximations to the state and control histories, and a discretization of the equations of motion to derive a mathematical programming problem which approximates the optimal control problem, and which is solved numerically. This conversion is referred to as ""transcription."" Transcription methods were developed in the sixties and seventies; however, for nonlinear problems, they were used in conjunction with a ""state-elimination"" procedure which propagated the integration forward over the trajectory, and resulted in a relatively unconstrained programming problem which was easier to handle. Recent advances in nonlinear programming, however, have made it feasible to solve the original heavily-constrained nonlinear programming problem, which is referred to as the ""direct transcription"" of the optimal control problem. This method is referred to as ""direct transcription and nonlinear programming."""

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Aerospace Engineering

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2011

Author dc:creator

• Enright, Paul James

Contributors dc:contributor

• Conway, Bruce A.

• Engineering, Aerospace
• Computer Science

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 1991 Enright, Paul James

Language dc:language

eng

Identifier

AAI9124409
(UMI)AAI9124409

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/22370