CONJUGATE POINTS ON EXTREMAL ROCKET PATHS,
Abstract
Conjugate points on extremal finite thrust rocket trajectories in a central gravitational field are investigated using both analytical and numerical methods. When three state variables (two velocity components and the radius) are considered, it appears that conjugate points occur only after the circumferential velocity component has changed sign, irrespective of the choice of initial conditions, a result suggested by Darboux's theorem and symmetry considerations. Conjugate points are also found in problems featuring four state variables (two position and two velocity components), although no general qualitative rules governing them have been deduced. Numerical results are presented for launches from the moon. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1968
- Accession Number
- AD0672248
Entities
People
- H. Gardner Moyer
- Henry J. Kelley
Organizations
- Grumman