Global Solution of Optimization Problems in Rotorcraft Flight Mechanics
Publication: Journal of Aerospace Engineering
Volume 28, Issue 1
Abstract
In this paper, the authors present a procedure for the global solution by the use of evolutionary algorithms of trajectory optimization and parameter estimation problems for rotorcraft vehicles. The proposed approach makes use of a novel repair heuristic based on a sequential quadratic programming method to handle problem constraints. The resulting formulation effectively deals with the complex, highly constrained, optimization and optimal control problems plagued by multiple local minima or maxima that are often encountered in practical rotorcraft flight mechanics applications. The performance of the proposed procedures is assessed with applications dealing with the design of optimal inputs for the estimation of model parameters, with the determination of the optimal way of flying continued take-offs under category A requirements, and with the determination of the most dangerous areas of the height-velocity (H-V) plane in terms of impact velocity with the ground.
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Acknowledgments
The second author wishes to thank Professor R. Celi for the stimulating discussions on the use of evolutionary algorithms for the solution of optimization problems, during his stay at the Department of Aerospace Engineering of the University of Maryland, College Park, MD.
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Published In
Journal of Aerospace Engineering
Volume 28 • Issue 1 • January 2015
Copyright
© 2014 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Dec 14, 2012
Accepted: Jul 10, 2013
Published online: Jul 12, 2013
Discussion open until: Oct 30, 2014
Published in print: Jan 1, 2015
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