Integrated ballistic design of small-lift launch vehicle using hierarchical optimization

An integrated ballistic design strategy using hierarchical optimization for smalllift launch vehicle is studied in this paper. This strategy is accomplished by application of state of art rocket modelling techniques combined with hierarchical optimization. Distinguished from classical ballistic design strategy which highly relies on the large-scale computation to search a proper starting point, this hierarchical optimization strategy focuses on the relations of design variables in different temporal and spatial processes and generates a legitimate initial starting point from the mathematical aspect. Thus, the final optimized variables will be acquired within the neighborhood of the initial parameter set through the global optimization in the upper level. A simulation based the Electron rocket is executed to demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of this hierarchical integrated design strategy. Grounded with reasonable engineering methodology, such a design strategy can be extended to more complex ballistic design problems.