Space launches have evoked the same vivid image for decades: bright orange flames exploding beneath a rocket as it lifts off and thunders into the sky. An alternative acceleration system could reshape that vision forever, with rockets leaving their energy source on the ground... or in space.Laser Propulsion in Space: Fundamentals, Technology, and Future Missions takes readers on a comprehensive journey from the theoretical overview of propulsion fundamentals, to reviews of current projects involving high-power CW fiber lasers and energetic mm-wave sources with their ongoing and potential end-use applications in beamed energy propulsion (BEP). Written by experts in the field, this mathematically sound reference text also highlights graphical solutions of equations’ results, as well as case studies with worked-out examples, making this book an invaluable compendium for students, researchers, technology developers and futurists in understanding the promise and challenges of this emerging technology.
Interaction of Disturbances in Shear Flows aims to provide a comprehensive, in-depth overview of the current state of knowledge on the subject.Authored by a recognized expert with decades of experience and many software patents to his credit, the volume covers advances in computational fluid dynamics to showcase innovative ways to apply physical measurements and visualization patterns to solve various aero- and hydrodynamic problems. It also delves into analytical methodologies to compare and contrast with the theoretical models most commonly used in the field. Additionally, it demonstrates the significance of comprehending and managing disturbances in shear flows, discussing practical applications of the research to optimize the design of aircraft, automotive vehicles, and marine vessels, with a strong emphasis on enhancing aero- and hydrodynamic efficiency, fuel economy, and the reduction of harmful emissions.Academia and industry readers alike will find this a useful resource to equip themselves with the tools needed to understand and address practical engineering challenges encountered in their studies or work.
This book examines the autonomous management of spacecraft, which uses modern control technologies such as artificial intelligence to establish a remote intelligent body on the spacecraft so that the spacecraft can complete its flight tasks by itself. Its goal is to accurately perceive its own state and external environment without relying on external information injection and control, or rely on external control as little as possible, make various appropriate decisions based on this information and user tasks, and be able to autonomously control spacecraft to complete various tasks.
Advanced Distributed Consensus for Multiagent Systems contributes to the further development of advanced distributed consensus methods for different classes of multiagent methods. The book expands the field of coordinated multiagent dynamic systems, including discussions on swarms, multi-vehicle and swarm robotics. In addition, it addresses advanced distributed methods for the important topic of multiagent systems, with a goal of providing a high-level treatment of consensus to different versions while preserving systematic analysis of the material and providing an accounting to math development in a unified way. This book is suitable for graduate courses in electrical, mechanical and computer science departments. Consensus control in multiagent systems is becoming increasingly popular among researchers due to its applicability in analyzing and designing coordination behaviors among agents in multiagent frameworks. Multiagent systems have been a fascinating subject amongst researchers as their practical applications span multiple fields ranging from robotics, control theory, systems biology, evolutionary biology, power systems, social and political systems to mention a few.
Time-Critical Cooperative Control of Autonomous Air Vehicles presents, in an easy-to-read style, the latest research conducted in the industry, while also introducing a set of novel ideas that illuminate a new approach to problem-solving. The book is virtually self-contained, giving the reader a complete, integrated presentation of the different concepts, mathematical tools, and control solutions needed to tackle and solve a number of problems concerning time-critical cooperative control of UAVs. By including case studies of fixed-wing and multirotor UAVs, the book effectively broadens the scope of application of the methodologies developed. This theoretical presentation is complemented with the results of flight tests with real UAVs, and is an ideal reference for researchers and practitioners from academia, research labs, commercial companies, government workers, and those in the international aerospace industry.
Indoor Navigation Strategies for Aerial Autonomous Systems presents the necessary and sufficient theoretical basis for those interested in working in unmanned aerial vehicles, providing three different approaches to mathematically represent the dynamics of an aerial vehicle. The book contains detailed information on fusion inertial measurements for orientation stabilization and its validation in flight tests, also proposing substantial theoretical and practical validation for improving the dropped or noised signals. In addition, the book contains different strategies to control and navigate aerial systems. The comprehensive information will be of interest to both researchers and practitioners working in automatic control, mechatronics, robotics, and UAVs, helping them improve research and motivating them to build a test-bed for future projects.
Studies in Astronautics, Volume 1: Optimal Space Trajectories focuses on the concept of optimal transfer and the problem of optimal space trajectories. It examines the relative performances of the various propulsion systems (classical and electrical propulsions) and their optimization (optimal mass breakdown), along with parametric and functional optimizations and optimal transfers in an arbitrary, uniform, and central gravitational field. Organized into 13 chapters, this volume begins with an overview of optimal transfer and the modeling of propulsion systems. It then discusses the Hohmann transfer, the Hoelker and Silber bi-elliptical transfer, and the deficiencies of parametric optimization. The book explains the canonical transformation, optimization of the thrust law using the Maximum Principle, and optimal orbit corrections. The time-free orbital transfers and time-fixed orbital transfers and rendezvous are also discussed. Moreover, this volume explains the classical high-thrust and electric low-thrust propulsion systems and rendezvous between two planets. This book is written primarily for engineers who specialize in aerospace mechanics and want to pursue a career in the space industry or space research. It also introduces students to the different aspects of the problem of optimal space trajectories.
Orbital mechanics is a cornerstone subject for aerospace engineering students. However, with its basis in classical physics and mechanics, it can be a difficult and weighty subject. Howard Curtis - Professor of Aerospace Engineering at Embry-Riddle University, the US's #1 rated undergraduate aerospace school - focuses on what students at undergraduate and taught masters level really need to know in this hugely valuable text. Fully supported by the analytical features and computer based tools required by today's students, it brings a fresh, modern, accessible approach to teaching and learning orbital mechanics. A truly essential new resource.
Orbital Mechanics for Engineering Students, Second Edition, provides an introduction to the basic concepts of space mechanics. These include vector kinematics in three dimensions; Newton’s laws of motion and gravitation; relative motion; the vector-based solution of the classical two-body problem; derivation of Kepler’s equations; orbits in three dimensions; preliminary orbit determination; and orbital maneuvers. The book also covers relative motion and the two-impulse rendezvous problem; interplanetary mission design using patched conics; rigid-body dynamics used to characterize the attitude of a space vehicle; satellite attitude dynamics; and the characteristics and design of multi-stage launch vehicles. Each chapter begins with an outline of key concepts and concludes with problems that are based on the material covered. This text is written for undergraduates who are studying orbital mechanics for the first time and have completed courses in physics, dynamics, and mathematics, including differential equations and applied linear algebra. Graduate students, researchers, and experienced practitioners will also find useful review materials in the book.