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Direct transcription of low-thrust trajectories with finite trajectory elements

Zuiani, Federico and Vasile, Massimiliano and Avanzini, Giulio and Palmas, Alessandro (2012) Direct transcription of low-thrust trajectories with finite trajectory elements. Acta Astronautica, 72. pp. 108-120. ISSN 0094-5765

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Abstract

This paper presents a novel approach to the design of Low-Thrust trajectories, based on a first order approximated analytical solution of Gauss planetary equations. This analytical solution is shown to have a better accuracy than a second-order explicit numerical integrator and at a lower computational cost. Hence, it can be employed for the fast propagation of perturbed Keplerian motion when moderate accuracy is required. The analytical solution was integrated in a direct transcription method based on a decomposition of the trajectory into direct finite perturbative elements (DFPET). DFPET were applied to the solution of two-point boundary transfer problems. Furthermore the paper presents an example of the use of DFPET for the solution of a multiobjective trajectory optimisation problem in which both the total ∆V and transfer time are minimized with respect to departure and arrival dates. Two transfer problems were used as test cases: a direct transfer from Earth to Mars and a spiral from a low Earth orbit to the International Space Station.

Item type: Article
ID code: 33788
Keywords: low-thrust propulsion, trajectory design, analytic solutions, perturbation theory, multiobjective optimization, Mechanical engineering and machinery, Motor vehicles. Aeronautics. Astronautics, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Control and Systems Engineering, Computational Mechanics
Subjects: Technology > Mechanical engineering and machinery
Technology > Motor vehicles. Aeronautics. Astronautics
Department: Faculty of Engineering > Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Technology and Innovation Centre > Advanced Engineering and Manufacturing
Depositing user: Pure Administrator
Date deposited: 19 Oct 2011 09:32
Last modified: 21 Sep 2017 10:51
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URI: https://strathprints.strath.ac.uk/id/eprint/33788
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