Approximate Solutions to Nonlinear Optimal Control Problems in Astrodynamics. (1st October 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Topputo, Francesco; Bernelli-Zazzera, Franco
• Other Names: Baoyin H. Academic Editor.; Bigelow C. Academic Editor.; Yu D. Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: ISRN aerospace engineering. Volume 2013(2013)
• Publication Date: 2013-10-01
• Subjects: Aerospace engineering -- Periodicals; Aerospace engineering; Periodicals; 629.1
• DOI: 10.1155/2013/950912
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2314-6427

Abstract

Abstract : A method to solve nonlinear optimal control problems is proposed in this work. The method implements an approximating sequence of time-varying linear quadratic regulators that converge to the solution of the original, nonlinear problem. Each subproblem is solved by manipulating the state transition matrix of the state-costate dynamics. Hard, soft, and mixed boundary conditions are handled. The presented method is a modified version of an algorithm known as "approximating sequence of Riccati equations." Sample problems in astrodynamics are treated to show the effectiveness of the method, whose limitations are also discussed.