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Theory and computation of optimal low- and medium-thrust transfersThis report presents the formulation of the optimal low- and medium-thrust orbit transfer control problem and methods for numerical solution of the problem. The problem formulation is for final mass maximization and allows for second-harmonic oblateness, atmospheric drag, and three-dimensional, non-coplanar, non-aligned elliptic terminal orbits. We setup some examples to demonstrate the ability of two indirect methods to solve the resulting TPBVP's. The methods demonstrated are the multiple-point shooting method as formulated in H. J. Oberle's subroutine BOUNDSCO, and the minimizing boundary-condition method (MBCM). We find that although both methods can converge solutions, there are trade-offs to using either method. BOUNDSCO has very poor convergence for guesses that do not exhibit the correct switching structure. MBCM, however, converges for a wider range of guesses. However, BOUNDSCO's multi-point structure allows more freedom in quesses by increasing the node points as opposed to only quessing the initial state in MBCM. Finally, we note an additional drawback for BOUNDSCO: the routine does not supply information to the users routines for switching function polarity but only the location of a preset number of switching points.
Document ID
19930007239
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Contractor Report (CR)
Authors
Chuang, C.-H. (Georgia Inst. of Tech. Atlanta, GA, United States)
Date Acquired
September 6, 2013
Publication Date
January 5, 1993
Subject Category
Spacecraft Propulsion And Power
Report/Patent Number
NASA-CR-191651
NAS 1.26:191651
Accession Number
93N16428
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAG8-921
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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