Reusable Entry Vehicle Trajectory Optimization Using Multiple-Domain Radau Collocation
Cale A. Byczkowski, Anil V. Rao · AIAA SCITECH 2023 Forum · 2023
View Video Presentation: https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2023-1168.vid The trajectory optimization of a reusable launch vehicle entry is studied. The objective is to maximize the crossrange during atmospheric entry subject to a constraint on the stagnation point heating rate. The problem is solved by partitioning the domain of the independent variable into multiple subdomains such that each subdomain consists of a segment where the heating rate constraint is either active or inactive. Additional necessary conditions for optimality are enforced in segments where the heating rate constraint is active. A multiple-domain Legendre-Gauss-Radau direct collocation method is then used to solve the partitioned problem. Key features of the stagnation point heating rate constraint are presented, and it is observed that the aforementioned approach is capable of solving the problem under consideration more accurately than traditional direct collocation methods.