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While most of us see the need for a toolbox, NASA
saw the need for an optimal control tool kit. Analytical Mechanics
Associates, Inc. (AMA), of Hampton, Virginia, strongly agreed
and created an application through Small Business Innovation
Research (SBIR) funding from NASA's Langley Research Center.
The new EZopt software is a user-friendly tool kit that provides
quick and logical solutions to complex optimal control problems.
Any process
that can be mathematically formulated into an ordinary set of
differential equations with constraints can be managed with EZopt.
It can solve most general linear and nonlinear optimal control
problems through the use of collocation or differential inclusions.
In its most basic form, EZopt converts process data into math
equations and then proceeds to utilize those equations to solve
problems within control systems. EZopt successfully proved its
advantage when applied to short-term mission planning and onboard
flight computer implementation.
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Dr.
Hans Seywald discusses the EZopt program with other team
members as it runs a trajectory analysis for space station
simulations. |
AMA
is a company that provides dynamics, controls, modeling and simulations
solutions, as well as engineering assistance. Dr. Hans Seywald,
an AMA scientist and current vice-president, designed EZopt around
a theory entitled Trajectory Optimization via Differential Inclusions.
The basic notion of the theory is that control variables can
be removed from an optimal control problem formulation. These
controls can then be replaced with constraints on accelerations,
within which the software works to solve a problem. The theory
provided the framework EZopt needed for reducing the number of
design parameters involved in the optimization problem while
at the same time, preserving or even improving the convergence
robustness observed in collocation. But how will this software
be used outside of NASA?
EZopt has solved
multiple real-life engineering problems faced in numerous commercial
operations. Mechanical engineers use EZopt to solve control problems
with robots. Chemical plants implement the EZopt software to
overcome situations with batch reactors and temperature control.
In the emerging field of commercial aerospace, EZopt is able
to optimize trajectories for launch vehicles and perform potential
space station-keeping tasks. The software helps control electromagnetic
devices in the automotive industry. Additionally, numerous universities
are presently using the software for various academic and research
purposes.
The success
AMA is experiencing with EZopt has led to further applications.
DOCKSIM, the Optimal Docking Simulator, was created with the
technology behind EZopt. Currently, DOCKSIM is integrated with
the International Space Station to generate optimal docking paths
for visiting space vehicles. AMA will continue to utilize the
EZopt software to present optimal control opportunities to companies
who need cutting-edge control solutions.
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| The
EZopt program runs a simulation of Space Shuttle docking
trajectories. |
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