Accession Number:

ADA027837

Title:

Trajectory Generation by Piecewise Spline Interpolation

Descriptive Note:

Technical rept.

Corporate Author:

ARMY MISSILE RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT AND ENGINEERING LAB REDSTONE ARSENAL AL GUIDANCE AND CONTROL DIRECTORATE

Personal Author(s):

• Jolly, Alexander C.

Report Date:

1976-04-01

Pagination or Media Count:

73.0

Abstract:

A method of generating vehicle trajectories from sets of position coordinates, acceleration components, or velocity vector directions specified at discrete points in time is described. The method uses piecewise cubic spline polynomials fitted to the trajectory position coordinates, thus ensuring continuity of position, velocity, and acceleration along the trajectory. The mathematical basis of cubic spline interpolation is derived, and the description of a computer program for generating the trajectory interpolating polynomial coefficients is included in the report. Calculation of vehicle Euler angles is also contained as an option in the program these are expressed as interpolating polynomial coefficients in a manner similar to that used for the trajectory. The Euler angle calculation permits the inclusion of aerodynamic angles of attack for an air-supported vehicle under the assumption that all maneuvers use coordinated turns.

Descriptors:

• *COMPUTERIZED SIMULATION
• *GUIDED MISSILE TRAJECTORIES
• *POLYNOMIALS
• *INTERCEPT TRAJECTORIES
• *CUBIC SPLINE TECHNIQUE
• VELOCITY
• COMPUTER PROGRAMS
• POSITION(LOCATION)
• MANEUVERABILITY
• ACCELERATION
• MONTE CARLO METHOD
• TIME
• INTERPOLATION
• GUIDED MISSILE TARGETS
• SERIES(MATHEMATICS)
• EULER ANGLES

Subject Categories:

• Numerical Mathematics
• Computer Programming and Software
• Guided Missile Trajectories, Accuracy and Ballistics

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE