Premium
Optimal Plane Changes Using Third‐Body Forces
Author(s) -
VILLAC B F,
SCHEERES D J
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
annals of the new york academy of sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.712
H-Index - 248
eISSN - 1749-6632
pISSN - 0077-8923
DOI - 10.1196/annals.1311.015
Subject(s) - impulse (physics) , plane (geometry) , range (aeronautics) , mechanics , mathematical analysis , mathematics , physics , geometry , classical mechanics , materials science , composite material
A bstract : The fuel optimality of third‐body driven plane changes (i.e., plane changes performed by using third‐body forces) over one‐impulse transfers is investigated numerically and analytically. In particular, the range of third‐body driven plane changes that are realizable is shown to be restricted and one impulse must be used in the uncovered regions. However, when third‐body driven plane changes are realizable, it is shown that they are always optimal above a certain critical value (about 40°) that depends on the initial condition. Contour plots of optimal Δ V values to perform a desired plane changes are given.