Disturbed motion of a hypersonic vehicle in climb

Abstract

Disturbed motion of a hypersonic vehicle in climb is analyzed. Deviations of atmospheric density from standard values and deviations of aerodynamic force coefficients from nominal values are taken as disturbances. Disturbed motion of a hypersonic vehicle with the optimum angle-of-attack schedule and nominal flight characteristics is modeled. Deviations of terminal conditions of disturbed motion from the target values of velocity, altitude and path inclination are determined. Using the method of Pontryagin’s maximum principle the problem of fuel mass minimum consumed in hypersonic acceleration climb is solved for disturbed motion. Optimal angle-of-attack schedules, optimal flight paths and finite values of the hypersonic vehicle’s mass are determined. Comparative analysis of optimal control programs and flight paths obtained for disturbed and undisturbed motion is carried out.

Keywords

• Hypersonic vehicle
• climb
• acceleration
• atmospheric disturbances
• aerodynamic disturbances
• optimal control
• fuel mass minimum