Seminars in Mechanics - Professor Belinda G. Marchand, Department of Aerospace Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, USA
Seminars in Mechanics Optimal
Control and Guidance of Dynamical Systems Subject to Actuator
Constraints
Professor Belinda G. Marchand [.pdf]
Professor Belinda G. Marchand
Department of Aerospace Engineering
University of Texas at Austin, USA
Abstract:
In trajectory design and space vehicle guidance applications, differentiating between what is mathematically possible and what is practical or feasible is crucial during both the design and the operational phase of a mission. Here, feasibility refers to the ability of the onboard actuators to deliver the commanded control profile with reasonable accuracy. This is of particular importance in dynamically sensitive regimes, and/or when the need to minimize the overall cost of a mission leads to compromises in flight hardware capabilities. In this case, it is useful to consider the impact of the associated hardware limitations on the success of the mission. The goal of this seminar is to summarize recent developments, in both trajectory optimization and guidance algorithms, that address this type of problem. Examples include the Finite Set Control Transcription (FSCT) method and the constrained two-level targeting algorithm. The FSCT method offers a generalized approach for solving optimal control problems when multiple independently switching and spatially discontinuous control variables are present. This approach is employed in conjunction with nonlinear programming methods during a numerical optimization process. In some cases, when optimality is not as important as computational speed, and feasible solutions are sufficient, a constrained two-level targeting algorithm may be implemented instead. Although the examples presented focus largely on spacecraft mission design and guidance applications, both methods extend to a large class of dynamical systems and, subsequently, applications in various fields.
Friday, September 25, 2009
11:00 AM –
12:00 PM, Refreshments at 10:30 AM
Room 497 Macdonald Engineering Building
(Conference Room, Department of Civil Engineering)
Ìý
All interested persons are welcome to
attend
Inquires: Professor Suresh Shrivastava
Tel: 514-398-6676
Email: suresh.shrivastava [at] mcgill.ca