Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “Program Optimization”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 343 records · Page 19

Development of a unified guidance system for geocentric transfer

A method is presented for open loop guidance of a solar electric propulsion spacecraft to geosynchronous orbit. The method consists of determining the thrust vector profiles on the ground with an optimization computer program, and performing updates based on the difference between the actual trajectory and that predicted with a precision simulation computer program. The motivation for performing the guidance analysis during the mission planning phase is discussed, and a spacecraft design option that employs attitude orientation constraints is presented. The improvements required in both the optimization program and simulation program are set forth, together with the efforts to integrate the programs into the ground support software for the guidance system.

Cake, J. E.↗

Program Computes SLM Inputs To Implement Optimal Filters

Minimum Euclidean Distance Optimal Filter (MEDOF) program generates filters for use in optical correlators. Analytically optimizes filters on arbitrary spatial light modulators (SLMs) of such types as coupled, binary, fully complex, and fractional-2pi-phase. Written in C language.

Barton, R. Shane↗

System optimization of gasdynamic lasers, computer program user's manual

The user's manual for a computer program that performs system optimization of gasdynamic lasers is provided. Detailed input/output formats are CDC 7600/6600 computers using a dialect of FORTRAN. Sample input/output data are provided to verify correct program operation along with a program listing.

Otten, L. J., III↗

Optimal low-thrust takeoff from an orbit about an oblate planet

Future space missions to the outer planets may depend upon the use of low-thrust propulsion systems. As these planets are decidedly oblate, the question of the effect of that oblateness on a low-thrust trajectory is of some interest. In this paper the problem of optimal energy increase is attacked under the assumption that the coefficients for the second zonal harmonic, and the nondimensional thrust acceleration are the same order of magnitude. By means of a two-variable asymptotic expansion technique, a near optimal control program is generated and the first-order uniformly valid approximation for the corresponding trajectory is obtained. Tangential thrust is shown to be a good near-optimal thrust program even in the presence of oblateness effects. The optimal control program is found to be oscillatory and quite similar to the optimal control for energy increase in an inverse square gravitational field.

Jacobson, R. A.↗

Optimized laser turrets for minimum phase distortion

An analysis and computer program which optimizes laser turret geometry to obtain minimum phase distortion is described. Phase distortion due to compressible, inviscid flow over small perturbation laser turrets in subsonic or supersonic flow is calculated. The turret shape is determined by a two dimensional Fourier series; in a similar manner, the flow properties are given by a Fourier series. Phase distortion is calcualted for propagation at serveral combinations of elevation and azimuth angles. A sum is formed from the set of values, and this sum becomes the objective function for an optimization computer program. The shape of the turret is varied to provide minimum phase distortion.

Vanderplaats, G. N.↗

Neighboring optimal guidance theory and computer program

Developments of the linear quadratic optimal control problem are discussed. The theory is applicable to the development of neighboring optimal feedback guidance gains, and is useful as a tool for synthesizing feedback control laws. A computer program which requires only the pertinent matrices of the linear quadratic problem is described.

Powers, W. F.↗

Optimal aeroassisted orbital transfer with plane change using collocation and nonlinear programming

The fuel optimal control problem arising in the non-planar orbital transfer employing aeroassisted technology is addressed. The mission involves the transfer from high energy orbit (HEO) to low energy orbit (LEO) with orbital plane change. The basic strategy here is to employ a combination of propulsive maneuvers in space and aerodynamic maneuvers in the atmosphere. The basic sequence of events for the aeroassisted HEO to LEO transfer consists of three phases. In the first phase, the orbital transfer begins with a deorbit impulse at HEO which injects the vehicle into an elliptic transfer orbit with perigee inside the atmosphere. In the second phase, the vehicle is optimally controlled by lift and bank angle modulations to perform the desired orbital plane change and to satisfy heating constraints. Because of the energy loss during the turn, an impulse is required to initiate the third phase to boost the vehicle back to the desired LEO orbital altitude. The third impulse is then used to circularize the orbit at LEO. The problem is solved by a direct optimization technique which uses piecewise polynomial representation for the state and control variables and collocation to satisfy the differential equations. This technique converts the optimal control problem into a nonlinear programming problem which is solved numerically. Solutions were obtained for cases with and without heat constraints and for cases of different orbital inclination changes. The method appears to be more powerful and robust than other optimization methods. In addition, the method can handle complex dynamical constraints.

Shi, Yun. Y.↗

Implementation of efficient sensitivity analysis for optimization of large structures

The paper presents the theoretical bases and implementation techniques of sensitivity analyses for efficient structural optimization of large structures, based on finite element static and dynamic analysis methods. The sensitivity analyses have been implemented in conjunction with two methods for optimization, namely, the Mathematical Programming and Optimality Criteria methods. The paper discusses the implementation of the sensitivity analysis method into our in-house software package, AutoDesign.

Umaretiya, J. R.↗

Integrated use of computer programs for analysis and optimization of aircraft structures

The objective is to present results from investigating the integrated use of five computer programs: ANALYZE, ASTROS, NASTRAN, OPTSTAT, and VAASEL for analysis and optimization of a given structure. The structure designated for study purposes was the F-15E vertical tail. The concept of integrated use is limited to the capability of using a NASTRAN structural model to run each of the other specified programs. This was actually accomplished in practice by converting a NASTRAN model of the designated structure into an appropriate analysis model. For optimization purposes, the torque-box of the F-15E vertical tail was used.

Moon, Young IN↗