This book proposes a solution to the problem of incorrect use of automation tools to perform complex design work. Currently, a large number of start-up projects are non-professional design bureaus that show a huge amount of their achievements. In reality, most of these achievements burst like soap bubbles. This is due to the low-quality and inefficient use of information technology in this industry. The book highlights advanced information technologies in the fields of design, machine learning, and computer vision.
This book features the latest theoretical results and techniques in the field of guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) of vehicles and aircraft. It covers a range of topics, including, but not limited to, intelligent computing communication and control; new methods of navigation, estimation, and tracking; control of multiple moving objects; manned and autonomous unmanned systems; guidance, navigation, and control of miniature aircraft; and sensor systems for guidance, navigation, and control. Presenting recent advances in the form of illustrations, tables, and text, it also provides detailed information of a number of the studies, to offer readers insights for their own research. In addition, the book addresses fundamental concepts and studies in the development of GNC, making it a valuable resource for both beginners and researchers wanting to further their understanding of guidance, navigation, and control.
On June 15, 2011, the Air Force Space Command established a new vision, mission, and set of goals to ensure continued U.S. dominance in space and cyberspace mission areas. Subsequently, and in coordination with the Air Force Research Laboratory, the Space and Missile Systems Center, and the 14th and 24th Air Forces, the Air Force Space Command identified four long-term science and technology (S&T) challenges critical to meeting these goals. One of these challenges is to provide full-spectrum launch capability at dramatically lower cost, and a reusable booster system (RBS) has been proposed as an approach to meet this challenge. The Air Force Space Command asked the Aeronautics and Space Engineering Board of the National Research Council to conduct an independent review and assessment of the RBS concept prior to considering a continuation of RBS-related activities within the Air Force Research Laboratory portfolio and before initiating a more extensive RBS development program. The committee for the Reusable Booster System: Review and Assessment was formed in response to that request and charged with reviewing and assessing the criteria and assumptions used in the current RBS plans, the cost model methodologies used to fame [frame?] the RBS business case, and the technical maturity and development plans of key elements critical to RBS implementation. The committee consisted of experts not connected with current RBS activities who have significant expertise in launch vehicle design and operation, research and technology development and implementation, space system operations, and cost analysis. The committee solicited and received input on the Air Force launch requirements, the baseline RBS concept, cost models and assessment, and technology readiness. The committee also received input from industry associated with RBS concept, industry independent of the RBS concept, and propulsion system providers which is summarized in Reusable Booster System: Review and Assessment.
EDITORIAL REVIEW: This book provides a guided tour in introducing optimal control theory from a practitioner's point of view. As in the first edition, Ross takes the contrarian view that it is not necessary to prove Pontryagin's Principle before using it. Using the same philosophy, the second edition expands the ideas over four chapters: In Chapter 1, basic principles related to problem formulation via a structured approach are introduced: What is a state variable? What is a control variable? What is state space? And so on. In Chapter 2, Pontryagin's Principle is introduced using intuitive ideas from everyday life: Like the process of "measuring" a sandwich and how it relates to costates. A vast number of illustrations are used to explain the concepts without going into the minutia of obscure mathematics. Mnemonics are introduced to help a beginner remember the collection of conditions that constitute Pontryagin's Principle. In Chapter 3, several examples are worked out in detail to illustrate a step-by-step process in applying Pontryagin's Principle. Included in this example is Kalman's linear-quadratic optimal control problem. In Chapter 4, a large number of problems from applied mathematics to management science are solved to illustrate how Pontryagin's Principle is used across the disciplines. Included in this chapter are test problems and solutions. The style of the book is easygoing and engaging. The classical calculus of variations is an unnecessary prerequisite for understanding optimal control theory. Ross uses original references to weave an entertaining historical account of various events. Students, particularly beginners, will embark on a minimum-time trajectory to applying Pontryagin's Principle.
The book addresses the overall integrated design aspects of a space transportation system involving several disciplines like propulsion, vehicle structures, aerodynamics, flight mechanics, navigation, guidance and control systems, stage auxiliary systems, thermal systems etc. and discusses the system approach for design, trade off analysis, system life cycle considerations, important aspects in mission management, the risk assessment, etc. There are several books authored to describe the design aspects of various areas, viz., propulsion, aerodynamics, structures, control, etc., but there is no book which presents space transportation system (STS) design in an integrated manner. This book attempts to fill this gap by addressing systems approach for STS design, highlighting the integrated design aspects, interactions between various subsystems and interdependencies. The main focus is towards the complex integrated design to arrive at an optimum, robust and cost effective space transportation system. The orbital mechanics of satellites including different coordinate frames, orbital perturbations and orbital transfers are explained. For launching the satellites to meet specific mission requirements, viz., payload/orbit, design considerations, giving step by step procedure are briefed. The selection methodology for launch vehicle configuration, its optimum staging and the factors which influence the vehicle performance are summarized. The influence of external, internal and dynamic operating environments experienced by the vehicle subsystems and the remedial measures needed are highlighted. The mission design strategies and their influence on the vehicle design process are elaborated. The various critical aspects of STS subsystems like flight mechanics, propulsion, structures and materials, thermal systems, stage auxiliary systems, navigation, guidance and control and the interdependencies and interactions between them are covered. The design guidelines, complexity of the flight environment and the reentry dynamics for the reentry missions are included. The book is not targeted as a design tool for any particular discipline or subsystem. Some of the design related equations or expressions are not attempted to derive from the first principle as this is beyond the scope of this book. However, the important analytical expressions, graphs and sketches which are essential to provide in-depth understanding for the design process as well as to understand the interactions between different subsystems are appropriately included.
