Stochastic control problems related to optimal advertising under uncertainty are considered. In particular, we determine the optimal strategies for the problem of maximizing the utility of goodwill at launch time and minimizing the disutility of a stream of advertising costs that extends until the launch time for some classes of stochastic perturbations of the classical Nerlove-Arrow dynamics. ...

This chapter concerns materials for expendable and reusable launch vehicle (LV) structures. An emphasis is placed on applications and design requirements, and how these requirements are met by the optimum choice of materials. Structural analysis and qualification strategies, which cannot be separated from the materials selection process, are described. A launch vehicle is an airborne system tha...

Over the last century chemical propellants have been the dominant fuel source for the aviation and aerospace industry, primarily because they are able to provide ample power for a limited cost. However, over the last decade as the price of chemical propellant continues to soar and their detrimental effect on our environment comes to light, there has been a surge to develop an alternative propul...

A numerical dynamic-aerodynamic interface for simulating the separation dy­n­a­m­ic­s of co­n­­s­t­r­a­i­ned strap-on boosters jettisoned in the atmosphere is presented. A 6-DOF multi body dynamic solver ،using Constraint For­ce Equation Methodology is coupled with a numerical time dependent Euler flow solver. An automatic dyna­m­i­­c mesh updating proc­e­d­ure is employed using smoothing and l...

This paper describes work on early detection of space launch vehicle failures that could lead to loss of control during ascent. The particular focus is on the Solid Rocket Motor (SRM) comprising First Stage of the Crew Launch Vehicle (CLV). Some of the most important failure modes leading to loss of vehicle control are caused by hot gases ejected from the SRM combustion chamber through a case b...

In the near future, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) usage will expand into the Naval aircraft carrier operating environment. The new and different capabilities of these vehicles will likely introduce numerous potential changes in the nature of deck operations. The presence of UAVs and wireless data communications will enable centralized planning and control of la...

A number of inventors and entrepreneurs are currently attempting to develop and commercially operate reusable launch vehicles to carry voluntary participants into space. To reduce the risk to the public in the operation of these vehicles, a launch vehicle operator typically performs analyses to identify safety measures and develop safety requirements. The focus of these safety efforts has histo...