High-order Continuation Methods for Astrodynamics Applications
Abstract
The application of numerical continuation techniques to the study of non-integrable astrodynamics problems has paved the way to innovative space trajectory designs and substantial propellant savings. However, traditional predictor corrector techniques remain exposed to branch switching, a phenomenon known in the literature of dynamical systems theory to cause the omission of important dynamical features such as changes in stability and bifurcations. We propose to upgrade numerical continuation techniques by means of the differential algebra of Taylor polynomials, thereby gaining access to high-order derivatives that can aid mission designers in detecting bifurcations, recognizing nonlinear stability regions, and more robustly operating spacecraft in chaotic dynamical environments. A PhD researcher will be hired and trained in differential algebra and high-order continuation techniques that will help AFOSR and the larger astrodynamics community gain insight into the dynamical evolution of spacecraft near the Moon and-or the Sun-Earth-Moon-spacecraft four body problem. Both models are gaining in popularity thanks to the uprising of the ARTEMIS program and the desire of returning human beings back to the surface of the Moon since the end of the Apollo era.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Feb 22, 2024
- Source ID
- FA86552317045
Entities
People
- Nicola Baresi
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- United States Air Force
- University of Surrey