On the Cucker-Smale flocking model applied to a formation moving in a central force-field

Paper number

IAC-13,C1,3,10,x16627

Author

Mr. Fabrizio Paita, Universitat Politecnica de Catalunya (UPC), Spain

Coauthor

Prof. Gerard Gomez, University of Barcelona, Spain

Coauthor

Prof. Josep J. Masdemont, Universitat Politecnica de Catalunya (UPC), Spain

Year

2013

Abstract

The Cucker--Smale (CS) flocking model is an interacting particles control
system where every element adjusts its dynamics according to a weighted average
between its velocity and those of the other elements of the flock.  Under this
model, a rigid body configuration can be achieved exponentially fast for
suitable initial configurations. Furthermore, as shown by J. Shen, if the dynamics
of the formation is driven by the presence of a free willed leader then similar
asymptotic results can also be obtained. In the present paper we extend the CS
control law in the context of a multi--spacecraft system moving around a
central body. Some new analytical results are given, as well as the results of
the extensive numerical experimentations that have been done to evaluate the
performances of the control law, with particular attention to its interaction
with a central gravitational field. These performances have been evaluated
mainly through the use of two indicators: the evolution of the relative
spacecrafts distances and the total fuel expended to maintain the formation.

Abstract document

IAC-13,C1,3,10,x16627.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-13,C1,3,10,x16627.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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