Giorgio Fasano – författare

This volume presents a selection of advanced case studies that address a substantial range of issues and challenges arising in space engineering. The contributing authors are well-recognized researchers and practitioners in space engineering and in applied optimization.

The key mathematical modeling and numerical solution aspects of each application case study are presented in sufficient detail. Classic and more recent space engineering problems – including cargo accommodation and object placement, flight control of satellites, integrated design and trajectory optimization, interplanetary transfers with deep space manoeuvres, low energy transfers, magnetic cleanliness modeling, propulsion system design, sensor system placement, systems engineering, space traffic logistics, and trajectory optimization – are discussed. Novel points of view related to computational global optimization and optimal control, and to multidisciplinary design optimization are also given proper emphasis. A particular attention is paid also to scenarios expected in the context of future interplanetary explorations.

Modeling and Optimization in Space Engineering will benefit researchers and practitioners working on space engineering applications. Academics, graduate and post-graduate students in the fields of aerospace and other engineering, applied mathematics, operations research and optimal control will also find the book useful, since it discusses a range of advanced model development and solution techniques and tools in the context of real-world applications and new challenges.

This book presents advanced case studies that address a range of important issues arising in space engineering. An overview of challenging operational scenarios is presented, with an in-depth exposition of related mathematical modeling, algorithmic and numerical solution aspects. The model development and optimization approaches discussed in the book can be extended also towards other application areas.

The topics discussed illustrate current research trends and challenges in space engineering as summarized by the following list:

•       Next Generation Gravity Missions

•       Continuous-Thrust Trajectories by Evolutionary Neurocontrol

•       Nonparametric Importance Sampling for Launcher Stage Fallout

•       OptimalLaunch Date of Interplanetary Missions

•       Evidence-Based Robust Optimization

•       Interplanetary Trajectory Design by Machine Learning

•       Real-Time Optimal Control

•       Optimal Finite Thrust Orbital Transfers

•       Trajectory Performance Analysis

•        Small Satellite Attitude Determination and Control

•       Time-Optimal Transfers of All-Electric GEO Satellites

Researchers working on space engineering applications will find this work a valuable, practical source of information. Academics, graduate and post-graduate students working in aerospace, engineering, applied mathematics, operations research, and optimal control will find useful information regarding model development and solution techniques, in conjunction with real-world applications.            

This book results from a long-term research effort aimed at tackling complex non-standard packing issues which arise in space engineering. The main research objective is to optimize cargo loading and arrangement, in compliance with a set of stringent rules. Complicated geometrical aspects are also taken into account, in addition to balancing conditions based on attitude control specifications.

Chapter 1 introduces the class of non-standard packing problems studied. Chapter 2 gives a detailed explanation of a general model for the orthogonal packing of tetris-like items in a convex domain. A number of additional conditions are looked at in depth, including the prefixed orientation of subsets of items, the presence of unusable holes, separation planes and structural elements, relative distance bounds as well as static and dynamic balancing requirements. The relative feasibility sub-problem which is a special case that does not have an optimization criterion is discussed in Chapter 3. This setting can be exploited by introducing an ad hoc objective function, aimed at facilitating the finding of integer-feasible solutions. The third chapter also discusses the issue of tightening the general MIP model by introducing valid inequalities. A MIP-based heuristic approach is developed in Chapter 4, where the basic concept of abstract configuration is presented. Chapter 5 is devoted to experimental results relevant to a real-world application framework. Chapter 6 adopts both extensions of the general MIP model and non-linear formulations to tackle two further non-standard packing issues. The final Chapter 7 presents conclusions and provides insights regarding prospective developments (including non-standard scheduling aspects).

Practitioners and researchers interested in advanced optimization model development and solution in the context of logistics, transportation systems, complex structures, manufacturing and electronics will find this book useful. The book can also be used in graduate courses on nonlinear - including global and mixed integer - optimization, as a valuable collection of practically meaningful object packing applications.

This volume presents a selection of case studies that address a substantial range of optimized object packings (OOP) and their applications. The contributing authors are well-recognized researchers and practitioners. The mathematical modelling and numerical solution aspects of each application case study are presented in sufficient detail. A broad range of OOP problems are discussed: these include various specific and non-standard container loading and object packing problems, as well as the stowing of hazardous and other materials on container ships, data centre resource management, automotive engineering design, space station logistic support, cutting and packing problems with placement constraints, the optimal design of LED street lighting, robust sensor deployment strategies, spatial scheduling problems, and graph coloring models and metaheuristics for packing applications. Novel points of view related to model development and to computational nonlinear, global, mixed integer optimization and heuristic strategies are also discussed.

Optimized Packings with Applications will benefit researchers and practitioners working on a broad range of topical engineering and operations research applications. Academics, graduate and post-graduate students in the fields of engineering, applied mathematics, operations research and optimization will also find the book useful, since it discusses a range of advanced model development and solution techniques and tools in the context of real-world applications and new challenges.

This book presents a selection of advanced case studies that cover a substantial range of issues and real-world challenges and applications in space engineering. Vital mathematical modeling, optimization methodologies and numerical solution aspects of each application case study are presented in detail, with discussions of a range of advanced model development and solution techniques and tools.

Space engineering challenges are discussed in the following contexts:

•Advanced Space Vehicle Design

•Computation of Optimal Low Thrust Transfers

•Indirect Optimization of Spacecraft Trajectories

•Resource-Constrained Scheduling,

•Packing Problems in Space

•Design of Complex Interplanetary Trajectories

•Satellite Constellation Image Acquisition

•Re-entry Test Vehicle Configuration Selection

•Collision Risk Assessment on Perturbed Orbits

•Optimal Robust Design of Hybrid Rocket Engines

•Nonlinear Regression Analysis in Space Engineering

•Regression-Based Sensitivity Analysis and Robust Design

•Modeling and Optimization of Balance Layout Problems

•Pilot-Induced Oscillations Alleviation

•Modeling and Optimization of Hybrid Transfers to Near-Earth Objects

•Probabilistic Safety Analysis of the Collision Between Space Debris and Satellite

•Flatness-based Low-thrust Trajectory Optimization for Spacecraft Proximity Operations

The contributing authors are expert researchers and practitioners in either the space engineering and/or in the applied optimization fields. Researchers and practitioners working in various applied aspects of space engineering will find this book practical and informative. Academics, graduate and post-graduate students in aerospace engineering, applied mathematics, operations research, optimization, and optimal control, will find this book useful.