Optimal Starting Conditions for the Rendezvous Maneuver, Part 1: Optimal Control Approach

We consider the three-dimensional rendezvous between two spacecraft: a target spacecraft on a circular orbit around the Earth and a chaser spacecraft initially on some elliptical orbit yet to be determined. The chaser spacecraft has variable mass, limited thrust, and its trajectory is governed by three controls, one determining the thrust magnitude and two determining the thrust direction. We seek the time history of the controls in such a way that the propellant mass required to execute the rendezvous maneuver is minimized. Two cases are considered: (i) time-to-rendezvous free and (ii) time-to-rendezvous given, respectively equivalent to (i) free angular travel and (ii) fixed angular travel for the target spacecraft. The above problem has been studied by several authors under the assumption that the initial separation coordinates and the initial separation velocities are given, hence known initial conditions for the chaser spacecraft. In this paper, it is assumed that both the initial separation coordinates and initial separation velocities are free except for the requirement that the initial chaser-to-target distance is given so as to prevent the occurrence of trivial solutions. Analyses performed with the multiple-subarc sequential gradient-restoration algorithm for optimal control problems show that the fuel-optimal trajectory is zero-bang, namely it is characterized by two subarcs: a long coasting zero-thrust subarc followed by a short powered max-thrust braking subarc. While the thrust direction of the powered subarc is continuously variable for the optimal trajectory, its replacement with a constant (yet optimized) thrust direction produces a very efficient guidance trajectory: Indeed, for all values of the initial distance, the fuel required by the guidance trajectory is within less than one percent of the fuel required by the optimal trajectory. For the guidance trajectory, because of the replacement of the variable thrust direction of the powered subarc with a constant thrust direction, the optimal control problem degenerates into a mathematical programming problem with a relatively small number of degrees of freedom, more precisely: three for case (i) time-to-rendezvous free and two for case (ii) time-to-rendezvous given. In particular, we consider the rendezvous between the Space Shuttle (chaser) and the International Space Station (target). Once a given initial distance SS-to-ISS is preselected, the present work supplies not only the best initial conditions for the rendezvous trajectory, but simultaneously the corresponding final conditions for the ascent trajectory.     

TVC飞行器的新型滚动飞行控制研究

针对某推力矢量姿态控制（TVC）飞行器,在助推段需要连续绕弹体纵轴滚动（自旋）飞行的新问题,在研究其非线性飞行动力学建模和动力学特性的基础上,通过分析研究和数值仿真,找出了影响俯仰偏航飞行稳定和姿态控制精度的主要交叉耦合因素．重点突出曾被忽视的因自旋滚动引起底层伺服系统之间的惯性延迟耦合,提出了工程可实现的解耦控制方案和算法．可为进一步研究该类复杂飞行器的飞行控制提供模型和方法上的理论指导和参考．     

熊蜂用于控制飞行的气动力和力矩

采用计算流体力学方法研究熊蜂用于控制飞行的气动力和力矩．结果表明,悬停时,每1个翅膀运动参数主要控制1个或2个气动力和力矩．当左右翅运动学参数对称变化时,改变拍动幅角（或拍动频率）主要可使垂直力改变．改变平均拍动角主要可使俯仰力矩改变．改变拍动攻角,上拍和下拍攻角等值同向变化时,主要可使垂直力改变;等值反向变化时,主要可使水平力改变．改变转动模式,当翅膀前拍靠近昆虫腹部和后拍靠近昆虫背部的转动模式相同变化时,主要可使垂直力改变;当翅膀前拍靠近昆虫腹部和后拍靠近昆虫背部的转动模式相反变化时,主要可使水平力和俯仰力矩改变．改变转动时间对气动力和力矩几乎无影响．当左右翅运动学参数反对称变化时,改变拍动幅角（或拍动频率）主要可使滚转力矩改变．改变拍动攻角,上拍和下拍攻角等值同向变化时,主要可使滚转力矩改变;等值反向变化时,主要可使偏航力矩改变．改变转动模式,当翅膀前拍靠近昆虫腹部和后拍靠近昆虫背部的转动模式相同变化时,主要可使侧向力和滚转力矩改变;当翅膀前拍靠近昆虫腹部和后拍靠近昆虫背部的转动模式相反变化时,主要可使偏航力矩改变．改变翅膀运动参数可分别控制3个方向的力矩及垂直力．改变拍动角可以改变垂直力;改变拍动角的平均位置可以改变俯仰力矩;反对称改变左右翅的拍动攻角可以改变滚转力矩;反对称改变拍动起始时刻可以改变偏航力矩．通过对翅膀运动参数的适当调整熊蜂即可实现快速转弯飞行．     

On-line optimization design of sliding mode guidance law with multiple constraints

The design of terminal guidance law with impact angle constraint is required for air-to-ground guided weapons to increase their warhead effect. The variable structure guidance law that consists of diving plane guidance and turning plane guidance equations with impact angle constraint is derived, and the saturation function is introduced into the design of reaching law control to weaken the chattering of the guidance system. The influence of four guidance parameters (i.e., reaching law factor, switching item gain, angle error item factor, and boundary layer thickness) on guidance performance is studied and three typical constraints (i.e., heating rate, normal load factor, and dynamic pressure) are analyzed. An optimization model is established for this problem and the feasibility of on-line optimization on guidance law parameters by the Sequential Quadratic Programming (SQP) algorithm is discussed as well. Simulation results show that the on-line optimization of the derived guidance law not only satisfies specified constraints, but also minimizes the fuel cost during the flying course. Moreover, the optimization process can be completed in a few seconds so that it is suitable for on-board applications.     

Zeroth-order conservation laws of two-dimensional shallow water equations with variable bottom topography

We classify zeroth-order conservation laws of systems from the class of two-dimensional shallow water equations with variable bottom topography using an optimized version of the method of furcate splitting. The classification is carried out up to equivalence generated by the equivalence group of this class. We find additional point equivalences between some of the listed cases of extensions of the space of zeroth-order conservation laws, which are inequivalent up to transformations from the equivalence group. Hamiltonian structures of systems of shallow water equations are used for relating the classification of zeroth-order conservation laws of these systems to the classification of their Lie symmetries. We also construct generating sets of such conservation laws under action of Lie symmetries.     

Optimal abort landing trajectories in the presence of windshear

This paper is concerned with optimal flight trajectories in the presence of windshear. The abort landing problem is considered with reference to flight in a vertical plane. It is assumed that, upon sensing that the airplane is in a windshear, the pilot increases the power setting at a constant time rate until maximum power setting is reached; afterward, the power setting is held constant. Hence, the only control is the angle of attack. Inequality constraints are imposed on both the angle of attack and its time derivative.The performance index being minimized is the peak value of the altitude drop. The resulting optimization problem is a minimax problem or Chebyshev problem of optimal control, which can be converted into a Bolza problem through suitable transformations. The Bolza problem is then solved employing the dual sequential gradient-restoration algorithm (DSGRA) for optimal control problems. Numerical results are obtained for several combinations of windshear intensities, initial altitudes, and power setting rates.For strong-to-severe windshears, the following conclusions are reached: (i) the optimal trajectory includes three branches: a descending flight branch, followed by a nearly horizontal flight branch, followed by an ascending flight branch after the aircraft has passed through the shear region; (ii) along an optimal trajectory, the point of minimum velocity is reached at about the time when the shear ends; (iii) the peak altitude drop depends on the windshear intensity, the initial altitude, and the power setting rate; it increases as the windshear intensity increases and the initial altitude increases; and it decreases as the power setting rate increases; (iv) the peak altitude drop of the optimal abort landing trajectory is less than the peak altitude drop of comparison trajectories, for example, the constant pitch guidance trajectory and the maximum angle of attack guidance trajectory; (v) the survival capability of the optimal abort landing trajectory in a severe windshear is superior to that of comparison trajectories, for example, the constant pitch guidance trajectory and the maximum angle of attack guidance trajectory.Portions of this paper were presented at the IFAC 10th World Congress, Munich, Germany, July 27–31, 1987 (Paper No. IFAC-87-9221).This research was supported by NASA Langley Research Center, Grant No. NAG-1-516, by Boeing Commercial Airplane Company (BCAC), and by Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA). Discussions with Dr. R. L. Bowles (NASA-LRC) and Mr. C. R. Higgins (BCAC) are acknowledged.     

Guidance strategies for near-optimum take-off performance in a windshear

This paper is concerned with guidance strategies for near-optimum performance in a windshear. This is a wind characterized by sharp change in intensity and direction over a relatively small region of space. The take-off problem is considered with reference to flight in a vertical plane.First, trajectories for optimum performance in a windshear are determined for different windshear models and different windshear intensities. Use is made of the methods of optimal control theory in conjunction with the dual sequential gradient-restoration algorithm (DSGRA) for optimal control problems. In this approach, global information on the wind flow field is needed.Then, guidance strategies for near-optimum performance in a wind-shear are developed, starting from the optimal trajectories. Specifically, three guidance schemes are presented: (A) gamma guidance, based on the relative path inclination; (B) theta guidance, based on the pitch attitude angle; and (C) acceleration guidance, based on the relative acceleration. In this approach, local information on the wind flow field is needed.Next, several alternative schemes are investigated for the sake of completeness, more specifically: (D) constant alpha guidance; (E) constant velocity guidance; (F) constant theta guidance; (G) constant relative path inclination guidance; (H) constant absolute path inclination guidance; and (I) linear altitude distribution guidance.Numerical experiments show that guidance schemes (A)–(C) produce trajectories which are quite close to the optimum trajectories. In addition, the near-optimum trajectories associated with guidance schemes (A)–(C) are considerably superior to the trajectories arising from the alternative guidance schemes (D)–(I).An important characteristic of guidance schemes (A)–(C) is their simplicity. Indeed, these guidance schemes are implementable using available instrumentation and/or modification of available instrumentation.Portions of this were presented at the AIAA 24th Aerospace Sciences Meeting, Reno, Nevada, January 6–9, 1986. The authors are indebted to Boeing Commercial Aircraft Company, Seattle, Washington and to Pratt and Whittney Aircraft, East Hartford, Connecticut for supplying some of the technical data pertaining to this study.The authors are indebted to Dr. R. L. Bowles, NASA-Langley Research Center, Hampton, Virginia for helpful discussions. They are also indebted to Mr. Z. G. Zhao, Aero-Astronautics Group, Rice University, Houston, Texas for analytical and computational assistance.This research was supported by NASA-Langley Research Center, Grant No. NAG-1-516. This paper, a continuation of Ref.1, is based in part on Refs. 2–3.     

Quasi-steady flight to quasi-steady flight transition for abort landing in a windshear: Trajectory optimization and guidance

This paper is concerned with the optimal transition and the near-optimum guidance of an aircraft from quasi-steady flight to quasi-steady flight in a windshear. The abort landing problem is considered with reference to flight in a vertical plane. In addition to the horizontal shear, the presence of a downdraft is considered.It is assumed that a transition from descending flight to ascending flight is desired; that the initial state corresponds to quasi-steady flight with absolute path inclination of –3.0 deg; and that the final path inclination corresponds to quasi-steady steepest climb. Also, it is assumed that, as soon as the shear is detected, the power setting is increased at a constant time rate until maximum power setting is reached; afterward, the power setting is held constant. Hence, the only control is the angle of attack. Inequality constraints are imposed on both the angle of attack and its time derivative.First, trajectory optimization is considered. The optimal transition problem is formulated as a Chebyshev problem of optimal control: the performance index being minimized is the peak value of the modulus of the difference between the instantaneous altitude and a reference value, assumed constant. By suitable transformations, the Chebyshev problem is converted into a Bolza problem. Then, the Bolza problem is solved employing the dual sequential gradient-restoration algorithm (DSGRA) for optimal control problems.Two types of optimal trajectories are studied, depending on the conditions desired at the final point. Type 1 is concerned with gamma recovery (recovery of the value of the relative path inclination corresponding to quasi-steady steepest climb). Type 2 is concerned with quasi-steady flight recovery (recovery of the values of the relative path inclination, the relative velocity, and the relative angle of attack corresponding to quasi-steady steepest climb). Both the Type 1 trajectory and the Type 2 trajectory include three branches: descending flight, nearly horizontal flight, and ascending flight. Also, for both the Type 1 trajectory and the Type 2 trajectory, descending flight takes place in the shear portion of the trajectory; horizontal flight takes place partly in the shear portion and partly in the aftershear portion of the trajectory; and ascending flight takes place in the aftershear portion of the trajectory. While the Type 1 trajectory and the Type 2 trajectory are nearly the same in the shear portion, they diverge to a considerable degree in the aftershear portion of the trajectory.Next, trajectory guidance is considered. Two guidance schemes are developed so as to achieve near-optimum transition from quasi-steady descending flight to quasi-steady ascending flight: acceleration guidance (based on the relative acceleration) and gamma guidance (based on the absolute path inclination).The guidance schemes for quasi-steady flight recovery in abort landing include two parts in sequence: shear guidance and aftershear guidance. The shear guidance is based on the result that the shear portion of the trajectory depends only mildly on the boundary conditions. Therefore, any of the guidance schemes already developed for Type 1 trajectories can be employed for Type 2 trajectories (descent guidance followed by recovery guidance). The aftershear guidance is based on the result that the aftershear portion of the trajectory depends strongly on the boundary conditions; therefore, the guidance schemes developed for Type 1 trajectories cannot be employed for Type 2 trajectories. For Type 2 trajectories, the aftershear guidance includes level flight guidance followed by ascent guidance. The level flight guidance is designed to achieve almost complete velocity recovery; the ascent guidance is designed to achieve the desired final quasi-steady state.The numerical results show that the guidance schemes for quasi-steady flight recovery yield a transition from quasi-steady flight to quasi-steady flight which is close to that of the optimal trajectory, allows the aircraft to achieve the final quasi-steady state, and has good stability properties.This research was supported by NASA Langley Research Center, Grant No. NAG-1-516, by Boeing Commercial Airplane Company, and by Air Line Pilots Association.The authors are indebted to Dr. R. L. Bowles (NASA-LRC) and Dr. G. R. Hennig (BCAC) for helpful discussions.     

Decomposition technique and optimal trajectories for the aeroassisted flight experiment

The aeroassisted flight experiment (AFE) refers to a spacecraft to be launched and then recovered by the space shuttle in 1994. It simulates a transfer from a geosynchronous Earth orbit (GEO) to a low Earth orbit (LEO). Specifically, the AFE spacecraft is released from the space shuttle and is accelerated by means of a solid rocket motor toward Earth, so as to achieve atmospheric entry conditions close to those of a spacecraft returning from GEO. Following the atmospheric pass, the AFE spacecraft ascends to the specified LEO via an intermediate parking Earth orbit (PEO). The final maneuver includes the rendezvous with and the capture by the space shuttle. The entry and exit orbital planes of the AFE spacecraft are identical with the orbital plane of the space shuttle. In this paper, with reference to the AFE spacecraft, an actual GEO-to-LEO transfer is considered and optimal trajectories are determined by minimizing the total characteristic velocity. The optimization is performed with respect to the time history of the controls (angle of attack and angle of bank), the entry path inclination and the flight time being free. Two transfer maneuvers are considered: (DA) direct ascent to LEO; (IA) indirect ascent to LEO via PEO. While the motion of the AFE spacecraft in a 3D-space is described by a system of six ODEs, substantial simplifications are possible if one exploits these facts: (i) the instantaneous orbital plane is nearly identical with the initial orbital plane; (ii) the bank angle is small; and (iii) the Earth's angular velocity is relatively small. Under these assumptions, the complete system can be decoupled into two subsystems, one describing the longitudinal motion and one describing the lateral motion. The angle of attack history, the entry path inclination, and the flight time are determined via the longitudinal motion subsystem; in this subsystem, the total characteristic velocity is minimized subject to the specified LEO requirement. The angle of bank history is determined via the lateral motion subsystem; in this subsystem, the difference between the instantaneous bank angle and a constant bank angle is minimized in the least square sense subject to the specified orbital inclination requirement. It is shown that both the angle of attack and the angle of bank are constant. This result has considerable importance in the design of nominal trajectories to be used in the guidance of AFE and AOT vehicles.     

On ε-optimal continuous selectors and their application in discounted dynamic programming

A quadratic regulator problem for a class of nonlinear systems is considered in which the control cost is multiplied by a small parameter, which becomes a so-called cheap control problem. Conditions are found under which the minimum cost becomes zero (perfect regulation) and the linear part in the optimal control law becomes dominant as the small parameter goes to zero. Near optimality of control laws truncated from the optimal control law in series form is also found.     

Optimal Control of a Ship for Course Change and Sidestep Maneuvers

We consider a ship subject to kinematic, dynamic, and moment equations and steered via rudder under the assumptions that the rudder angle and rudder angle time rate are subject to upper and lower bounds. We formulate and solve four Mayer problems of optimal control, the optimization criterion being the minimum time.Problems P1 and P2 deal with course change maneuvers. In Problem P1, a ship initially in quasi-steady state must reach the final point with a given yaw angle and zero yaw angle time rate. Problem P2 differs from Problem P1 in that the additional requirement of quasi-steady state is imposed at the final point.Problems P3 and P4 deal with sidestep maneuvers. In Problem P3, a ship initially in quasi-steady state must reach the final point with a given lateral distance, zero yaw angle, and zero yaw angle time rate. Problem P4 differs from Problem P3 in that the additional requirement of quasi-steady state is imposed at the final point.The above Mayer problems are solved via the sequential gradient-restoration algorithm in conjunction with a new singularity avoiding transformation which accounts automatically for the bounds on rudder angle and rudder angle time rate.The optimal control histories involve multiple subarcs along which either the rudder angle is kept at one of the extreme positions or the rudder angle time rate is held at one of the extreme values. In problems where quasi-steady state is imposed at the final point, there is a higher number of subarcs than in problems where quasi-steady state is not imposed; the higher number of subarcs is due to the additional requirement that the lateral velocity and rudder angle vanish at the final point.     

基于预测控制的直接侧向力气动力复合控制方法研究

针对大气层内拦截导弹直接侧向力与气动力复合控制系统设计问题, 首先, 根据发动机的配置建立了复合控制系统模型;其次, 提出了复合控制策略, 包括动态分配算法、直接力控制子系统、气动力控制子系统3部分; 然后, 在考虑两套执行机构动态特性差别的情况下,基于预测控制思想给出了过载误差动态分配算法; 在此基础上, 根据直接侧向力的离散特性, 基于预测控制方法设计了直接力控制规律, 考虑到直接力控制作用对弹体产生的扰动, 基于自抗扰方法设计了气动力子系统; 最后, 通过仿真验证了直接力气动力复合控制策略与方法的有效性.     

Departure from linear mechanical behaviour of a helical spring

We model small deviations from linear mechanical behaviour of a loaded vertically suspended helical spring. A Taylor expansion of the elasticity equations governing the axial extension of the spring is used to determine the relative magnitudes of linear and (quadratic and cubic) nonlinear terms in the force–extension relationship. This relationship is the basis for the derivation of a model for the static extension of a loaded spring, and a wave equation that models small amplitude oscillation. The models account for the natural decline in pitch angle down a suspended spring, and provide accurate fits to measurements of static extension and periods of oscillation that are not adequately represented by equations based on Hooke’s law. The static and dynamic data yield consistent estimates of the spring rate.     

Aerodynamic and aeroacoustic phenomena due to non-uniform flow of wind turbines

Stall control and pitch control are the most commonly used methods of regulating power. However, through the opportunities presented by the flexible (or teetered) hub of a two–bladed teetered rotor one can also utilize yaw control to regulate power. This is achieved by adjusting the capture area of the rotor disk relative to the prevailing wind direction. This paper presents the aerodynamic and aeroacoustic results obtained from theoretical models for a rotor when is yawed to the undisturbed flow. (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

轴对称体大角度斜出水的非线性摄动解

本文处理的是轴对称体大角度斜出水三元非线性问题,以出水角的余角α为小参数进行摄动展开,化为二维非线性问题求解.给出了零阶、一阶和二阶解的积分形式.其中零阶解对应于轴对称体垂直出水的情况,仍是非线性的.数值结果给出了不同Froude数、物体不同长细比情况下各阶自由面形状及各阶力的变化过程.     

Abort landing in windshear: Optimal control problem with third-order state constraint and varied switching structure

Optimal abort landing trajectories of an aircraft under different windshear-downburst situations are computed and discussed. In order to avoid an airplane crash due to severe winds encountered by the aircraft during the landing approach, the minimum altitude obtained during the abort landing maneuver is to be maximized. This maneuver is mathematically described by a Chebyshev optimal control problem. By a transformation to an optimal control problem of Mayer type, an additional state variable inequality constraint for the altitude has to be taken into account; here, its order is three. Due to this altitude constraint, the optimal trajectories exhibit, depending on the windshear parameters, up to four touch points and also up to one boundary arc at the minimum altitude level. The control variable is the angle of attack time rate which enters the equations of motion linearly; therefore, the Hamiltonian of the problem is nonregular. The switching structures also includes up to three singular subarcs and up to two boundary subarcs of an angle of attack constraint of first order. This structure can be obtained by applying some advanced necessary conditions of optimal control theory in combination with the multiple-shooting method. The optimal solutions exhibit an oscillatory behavior, reaching the minimum altitude level several times. By the optimization, the maximum survival capability can also be determined; this is the maximum wind velocity difference for which recovery from windshear is just possible. The computed optimal trajectories may serve as benchmark trajectories, both for guidance laws that are desirable to approach in actual flight and for optimal trajectories may then serve as benchmark trajectories both for guidance schemes and also for numerical methods for problems of optimal control.This paper is dedicated to Professor George Leitmann on the occasion of his seventieth birthday.     

Multiple-Subarc Gradient-Restoration Algorithm, Part 2: Application to a Multistage Launch Vehicle Design

In Part 1 (see Ref. 2), a multiple-subarc gradient-restoration algorithm (MSGRA) was developed with the intent of enhancing the robustness of gradient-restoration algorithms and also enlarging the field of applications. Indeed, MSGRA can be applied to optimal control problems involving multiple subsystems as well as discontinuities in the state and control variables at the interface between contiguous subsystems.In Part 2 (this paper), MSGRA is applied to compute the optimal trajectory for a multistage launch vehicle design, specifically, a rocket-powered spacecraft ascending from the Earth surface to a low Earth orbit (LEO). Single-stage, double-stage, and triple-stage configurations are considered. For multistage configurations, discontinuities in the mass occur at the interfaces between consecutive stages.The numerical results show that, given the current levels of the engine specific impulse and spacecraft structural factor, the single-stage version is not feasible at this time, while the double-stage and triple-stage versions are feasible. Further increases in the specific impulse and decreases in the structural factor are needed if the single-stage configuration has to become feasible.Also, the numerical results show that the optimal trajectory requires initially maximum thrust, followed by modulated thrust so as to satisfy the maximum acceleration constraint, followed by nearly zero thrust for coasting flight, followed by a final burst with moderate thrust so as to increase the spacecraft velocity to the circular velocity needed for LEO insertion. The above properties of the optimal thrust time history are useful for developing the guidance scheme approximating in real time the optimal trajectory for a launch vehicle design.     

High-order sliding mode controller with backstepping design for aeroelastic systems

A nonlinear system for controlling flutter in an aeroelastic system is proposed. The dynamic model describes the plunge and pitch motion of a wing. Interacting nonlinear forces such as structural and aerodynamic forces cause destabilizing phenomena such as flutter and limit cycle oscillation on the wing. Aeroelastic models have a wing section with only a single trailing-edge control surface for suppressing limit cycle oscillation. When modeling a single control surface, the controller design can achieve trajectory control of either plunge displacement or pitch angle, but not both, and internal dynamics describe the residual motion in closed-loop systems. Internal dynamics of aeroelasticity depend on model parameters such as freestream velocity and spring constant. Since single control surfaces have limited effectiveness, this study used leading- and trailing-edge control surfaces to improve control of limit-cycle oscillation. Moreover, two control surfaces were used to provide sufficient flexibility to shape both the plunge and the pitch responses. In this study, high order sliding mode control (HOSMC) with backstepping design achieved system stability and eliminated limit cycle phenomenon. Compared to the conventional sliding mode control design, the proposed control law not only preserves system robustness, but also avoids chatter phenomenon. Simulation results show that the proposed controller effectively regulate the response to origin in state space even under saturated controller input.     

Optimal Control of a Ship for Collision Avoidance Maneuvers

We consider a ship subject to kinematic, dynamic, and moment equations and steered via rudder under the assumptions that the rudder angle and rudder angle time rate are subject to upper and lower bounds. We formulate and solve four Chebyshev problems of optimal control, the optimization criterion being the maximization with respect to the state and control history of the minimum value with respect to time of the distance between two identical ships, one maneuvering and one moving in a predetermined way.Problems P1 and P2 deal with collision avoidance maneuvers without cooperation, while Problems P3 and P4 deal with collision avoidance maneuvers with cooperation. In Problems P1 and P3, the maneuvering ship must reach the final point with a given lateral distance, zero yaw angle, and zero yaw angle time rate. In Problems P2 and P4, the additional requirement of quasi-steady state is imposed at the final point.The above Chebyshev problems, transformed into Bolza problems via suitable transformations, are solved via the sequential gradient-restoration algorithm in conjunction with a new singularity avoiding transformation which accounts automatically for the bounds on rudder angle and rudder angle time rate.The optimal control histories involve multiple subarcs along which either the rudder angle is kept at one of the extreme positions or the rudder angle time rate is held at one of the extreme values. In problems where quasi-steady state is imposed at the final point, there is a higher number of subarcs than in problems where quasi-steady state is not imposed; the higher number of subarcs is due to the additional requirement that the lateral velocity and rudder angle vanish at the final point.     

Bifurcation,chaos, and their control in a wheelset model

In this paper, we present an improved wheelset motion model with two degrees of freedom and study the dynamic behaviors of the system including the symmetry, the existence and uniqueness of the solution, continuous dependence on initial conditions, and Hopf bifurcation. The dynamic characteristics of the wheelset motion system under a nonholonomic constraint are investigated. These results generalize and improve some known results about the wheelset motion system. Meanwhile, based on multiple equilibrium analysis, calculation of Lyapunov exponents and Poincaré section, the chaotic behaviors of the wheelset system are discussed, which indicates that there are more complex dynamic behaviors in the railway wheelset system with higher order terms of Taylor series of trigonometric functions. This paper has also realized the chaos control and bifurcation control for the wheelset motion system by adaptive feedback control method and linear feedback control. The results show that the chaotic wheelset system and bifurcation wheelset system are all well controlled, whether by controlling the yaw angle and the lateral displacement or only by controlling the yaw angle. Numerical simulations are carried out to further verify theoretical analyses.