TOPICS IN OPTIMIZATION THEORY
Abstract
Practical trajectory optimization problems are usually so complex as to require numerical rather than analytical approaches to solution. Consequently, it was necessary to grant first priority and a great deal of effort to means for computing optimal trajectories which satisfy prescribed boundary conditions. This was pursued primarily along the lines of the indirect method, the inference of a solution from the first three conditions of the classical theory, and by direct methods, mainly successive approximations. Relatively little was done in applying the necessary conditions associated with the second variation or in determining the characteristics of families of optimal trajectories, or fields of extremals, to employ variational terminology. These matters are of interest not only in ensuring selection of a truly optimal trajectory for operational use but are of primary interest in connection with the problem of guidance. A number of loosely connected studies in this general area is presented. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1962
- Accession Number
- AD0293940
Entities
People
- H. Gardner Moyer
- Henry J. Kelley
Organizations
- Grumman