Optimal Trajectories and the Accessory Minimum Problem

Abstract

SummaryThe necessary conditions of Clebsch and Weierstrass and of the multiplier rule in the calculus of variations, which arise from the study of the first variation of a function, are summarised. A further necessary condition associated with the second variation is stated. The latter condition is applied to two problems: (i) the determination of the thrust-time programme which maximises the altitude of a sounding rocket, (ii) the determination of the thrust direction programme for a rocket with a known propellant expenditure programme which yields a maximum range. In both problems it is found that the additional necessary condition is satisfied.