Research on the Maximum Range of Gliding Vehicles Based on Gauss Pseudo-spectral Method

Abstract

Trajectory optimization is an important problem in the field of aircraft design. Effective trajectory optimization is critical to the tactical flight of an aircraft. Based on previous research, this paper further studies trajectory optimization of an unpowered gliding vehicle. The goal is to maximize its range and to analyze the influence of different initial conditions on trajectory optimization. In this paper, the trajectory optimization model involving all kinds of state constraints and control constraints was established and aerodynamic coefficient was calculated by CFD software. Finally Gauss Pseudo-spectral Method program was run to calculate the flight path of the gliding vehicle and to seek trajectory with maximum range. The simulation data shows that results of Gauss Pseudo-spectral Method are realistic and prove its practical operability. The use of Gauss Pseudo-spectral Method for trajectory optimization has a good effect.