Multi-Objective Re-entry Trajectory Optimization based on the Physical Programming Method for Hypersonic Gliding Vehicle

Re-entry trajectory optimization is a key step in the scheme planning of the hypersonic gliding vehicle. The problem of multi-objective re-entry trajectory optimization is usually solved by the weighted summary method (WSM). However, it is difficult to obtain the non-convex Pareto noninferior solution. To overcome this problem, the trajectory optimization is established with the physical programming (PP) method, which is capable to obtain solution with less computational intensity and reflect the designer’s preference. Taking a hypersonic gliding vehicle as a numerical example, the numerical simulation considers five objectives: maximum terminal velocity, maximum range, minimum peak value of heating rate, and minimum oscillation. In addition, Gauss pseudo spectral method can accurately satisfy variable constraints. Performance of PP-based re-entry trajectory optimization is demonstrated in 3-D nonlinear dynamics scenario. The numerical simulation results show that it can easily realize and improved the performance of the hypersonic gliding vehicle. The research has certain engineering application value.