Numerical optimal control with applications in aerospace

This thesis explores various computational aspects of solving nonlinear, continuous-time dynamic optimization problems (DOPs) numerically. Firstly, a direct transcription method for solving DOPs is proposed, named the integrated residual method (IRM). Instead of forcing the dynamic constraints to be satisfied only at a selected number of points as in direct collocation, this new approach alternates between minimizing and constraining the squared norm of the dynamic constraint residuals integrated along the whole solution trajectories. The method is capable of obtaining solutions of higher accuracy for the same mesh compared to direct collocation methods, enabling a flexible trade-off between solution accuracy and optimality, and providing reliable solutions for challenging problems, including those with singular arcs and high-index differential-algebraic equations. A number of techniques have also been proposed in this work for efficient numerical solution of large scale and challenging DOPs. A general approach for direct implementation of rate constraints on the discretization mesh is proposed. Unlike conventional approaches that may lead to singular control arcs, the solution of this on-mesh implementation has better numerical properties, while achieving computational speedups. Another development is related to the handling of inactive constraints, which do not contribute to the solution of DOPs, but increase the problem size and burden the numerical computations. A strategy to systematically remove the inactive and redundant constraints under a mesh refinement framework is proposed. The last part of this work focuses on the use of DOPs in aerospace applications, with a number of topics studied. Using example scenarios of intercontinental flights, the benefits of formulating DOPs directly according to problem specifications are demonstrated, with notable savings in fuel usage. The numerical challenges with direct collocation are also identified, with the IRM obtaining solutions of higher accuracy, and at the same time suppressing the singular arc fluctuations.Open Acces

Untangling hotel industry’s inefficiency: An SFA approach applied to a renowned Portuguese hotel chain

The present paper explores the technical efficiency of four hotels from Teixeira Duarte Group - a renowned Portuguese hotel chain. An efficiency ranking is established from these four hotel units located in Portugal using Stochastic Frontier Analysis. This methodology allows to discriminate between measurement error and systematic inefficiencies in the estimation process enabling to investigate the main inefficiency causes. Several suggestions concerning efficiency improvement are undertaken for each hotel studied.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Telecommunications Networks

This book guides readers through the basics of rapidly emerging networks to more advanced concepts and future expectations of Telecommunications Networks. It identifies and examines the most pressing research issues in Telecommunications and it contains chapters written by leading researchers, academics and industry professionals. Telecommunications Networks - Current Status and Future Trends covers surveys of recent publications that investigate key areas of interest such as: IMS, eTOM, 3G/4G, optimization problems, modeling, simulation, quality of service, etc. This book, that is suitable for both PhD and master students, is organized into six sections: New Generation Networks, Quality of Services, Sensor Networks, Telecommunications, Traffic Engineering and Routing

Decision Making with Implementation Dependent Feedback

Ph.DDOCTOR OF PHILOSOPH

LIPIcs, Volume 261, ICALP 2023, Complete Volume

LIPIcs, Volume 261, ICALP 2023, Complete Volum