Nonlinear optimal control techniques applied to a launch vehicle autopilot

AuthorsM Irani Rahaghi, J Roshanian
JournalJournal of aerospace science and technology
Paper TypeFull Paper
Published At2006
Journal GradeScientific - research
Journal TypeTypographic
Journal CountryIran, Islamic Republic Of

Abstract

This paper presents an application of the nonlinear optimal control techniques to the design of launch vehicle autopilots. The optimal control is given by the solution to the Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman (HJB) equation, which in this case cannot be solved explicity. A method based upon Successive Galerkin Approximation (SGA) is used to obtain an approximate optimal solution. Simulation results involving the three degrees-of-freedom (3DOF) model of a launch vehicle during atmospheric flight are reported to demonstrate the performance of the considered autopilot. Alternative results are also presented for classical and linear optimal approaches.

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