ON MINIMUM TIME EXOATMOSPHERIC INTERCEPTION WITH FUEL CONSTRAINTS: A CLOSED LOOP SOLUTION
Abstract
The problem considered is that of minimum time interception, subject to fuel constraints, of a nonmaneuvering target by an interceptor. The motion of the interceptor is controlled by application of a thrust vector (with bounded magnitude) and by the control of the thrusting angle relative to, say, the interceptor velocity vector. This problem is solved using the minimum principle of Pontryagin. It is shown that the time-optimal interception policy is (a) to use maximum thrust in the beginning of the control interval and (b) to use a constant thrust angle during the thrusting interval. The optimal thrust angle is determined analytically as a function of the position error, the velocities, and of the remaining fuel.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 16, 1969
- Accession Number
- AD0690525
Entities
People
- Michael Athans
Organizations
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology