Optimizing Solid Rocket Missile Trajectories: A Hybrid Approach Using an Evolutionary Algorithm and Machine Learning

This paper introduces a novel approach for modeling and optimizing the trajectory and behavior of small solid rocket missiles. The proposed framework integrates a six-degree-of-freedom (6DoF) simulation environment experimentally tuned for accuracy, with a combination of genetic algorithms (GAs) and...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Carlo Ferro, Matteo Cafaro, Paolo Maggiore
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2024-11-01
Series:Aerospace
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2226-4310/11/11/912
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
_version_ 1846154822265339904
author Carlo Ferro
Matteo Cafaro
Paolo Maggiore
author_facet Carlo Ferro
Matteo Cafaro
Paolo Maggiore
author_sort Carlo Ferro
collection DOAJ
description This paper introduces a novel approach for modeling and optimizing the trajectory and behavior of small solid rocket missiles. The proposed framework integrates a six-degree-of-freedom (6DoF) simulation environment experimentally tuned for accuracy, with a combination of genetic algorithms (GAs) and machine learning (ML) to enhance the performance of the missile path. In the initial phase, a GA is employed to optimize the missile’s trajectory for efficient target acquisition, defining key launch parameters such as the ramp angle and lateral maneuver force to minimize positional errors and to ensure effective target engagement. Following trajectory optimization, the derived data are used to train an ML model that predicts setup parameters, significantly reducing computational costs and time. This close integration enables real-time adjustments for acquiring moving targets, thereby improving accuracy and minimizing maneuvering costs. This study also explores the application of fluidic thrust vectoring for small rockets, providing an innovative solution to enhance maneuverability and control, especially at low speeds. The proposed framework was validated using experimental launch data from the Icarus Team. The methodology offers a robust and cost-effective solution for precision targeting and improved maneuverability in aerospace and defense contexts.
format Article
id doaj-art-12527c6a173842d9b0a5e147b5a410bb
institution Kabale University
issn 2226-4310
language English
publishDate 2024-11-01
publisher MDPI AG
record_format Article
series Aerospace
spelling doaj-art-12527c6a173842d9b0a5e147b5a410bb2024-11-26T17:42:54ZengMDPI AGAerospace2226-43102024-11-01111191210.3390/aerospace11110912Optimizing Solid Rocket Missile Trajectories: A Hybrid Approach Using an Evolutionary Algorithm and Machine LearningCarlo Ferro0Matteo Cafaro1Paolo Maggiore2Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, 10129 Turin, ItalyDepartment of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, 10129 Turin, ItalyDepartment of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, 10129 Turin, ItalyThis paper introduces a novel approach for modeling and optimizing the trajectory and behavior of small solid rocket missiles. The proposed framework integrates a six-degree-of-freedom (6DoF) simulation environment experimentally tuned for accuracy, with a combination of genetic algorithms (GAs) and machine learning (ML) to enhance the performance of the missile path. In the initial phase, a GA is employed to optimize the missile’s trajectory for efficient target acquisition, defining key launch parameters such as the ramp angle and lateral maneuver force to minimize positional errors and to ensure effective target engagement. Following trajectory optimization, the derived data are used to train an ML model that predicts setup parameters, significantly reducing computational costs and time. This close integration enables real-time adjustments for acquiring moving targets, thereby improving accuracy and minimizing maneuvering costs. This study also explores the application of fluidic thrust vectoring for small rockets, providing an innovative solution to enhance maneuverability and control, especially at low speeds. The proposed framework was validated using experimental launch data from the Icarus Team. The methodology offers a robust and cost-effective solution for precision targeting and improved maneuverability in aerospace and defense contexts.https://www.mdpi.com/2226-4310/11/11/912fluidic thrust vectoringtrajectory optimizationevolutionary algorithm (EA)genetic algorithm (GA)machine learning applicationsmissile guidance systems
spellingShingle Carlo Ferro
Matteo Cafaro
Paolo Maggiore
Optimizing Solid Rocket Missile Trajectories: A Hybrid Approach Using an Evolutionary Algorithm and Machine Learning
Aerospace
fluidic thrust vectoring
trajectory optimization
evolutionary algorithm (EA)
genetic algorithm (GA)
machine learning applications
missile guidance systems
title Optimizing Solid Rocket Missile Trajectories: A Hybrid Approach Using an Evolutionary Algorithm and Machine Learning
title_full Optimizing Solid Rocket Missile Trajectories: A Hybrid Approach Using an Evolutionary Algorithm and Machine Learning
title_fullStr Optimizing Solid Rocket Missile Trajectories: A Hybrid Approach Using an Evolutionary Algorithm and Machine Learning
title_full_unstemmed Optimizing Solid Rocket Missile Trajectories: A Hybrid Approach Using an Evolutionary Algorithm and Machine Learning
title_short Optimizing Solid Rocket Missile Trajectories: A Hybrid Approach Using an Evolutionary Algorithm and Machine Learning
title_sort optimizing solid rocket missile trajectories a hybrid approach using an evolutionary algorithm and machine learning
topic fluidic thrust vectoring
trajectory optimization
evolutionary algorithm (EA)
genetic algorithm (GA)
machine learning applications
missile guidance systems
url https://www.mdpi.com/2226-4310/11/11/912
work_keys_str_mv AT carloferro optimizingsolidrocketmissiletrajectoriesahybridapproachusinganevolutionaryalgorithmandmachinelearning
AT matteocafaro optimizingsolidrocketmissiletrajectoriesahybridapproachusinganevolutionaryalgorithmandmachinelearning
AT paolomaggiore optimizingsolidrocketmissiletrajectoriesahybridapproachusinganevolutionaryalgorithmandmachinelearning