Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
- Keyword
-
- #antcenter (175)
- Global Positioning System (36)
- Flight control (34)
- Drone aircraft (30)
- Additive manufacturing (27)
-
- Artificial satellites (25)
- Aerodynamics (22)
- Drone aircraft--Control systems (22)
- Finite element method (21)
- Composite materials (20)
- Fluid dynamics (19)
- Kalman filtering (18)
- CubeSat (16)
- Artificial satellites--Orbits (15)
- Navigation (Aeronautics) (15)
- Supersonic aerodynamics (15)
- Aeroelasticity (14)
- Artificial satellites--Control systems (14)
- Computational fluid dynamics (14)
- Computer vision (14)
- Artificial satellites--Tracking (13)
- Flexible structures (13)
- Heat--Transmission (13)
- Inertial navigation systems (13)
- Turbulent boundary layer (13)
- Artificial satellites--Orbits--Mathematical models (12)
- Airplanes--Scramjet engines (11)
- Drag (Aerodynamics) (11)
- Micro air vehicles (11)
- Combustion (10)
- Publication Year
- Publication
- Publication Type
Articles 61 - 90 of 1419
Full-Text Articles in Engineering
Manufacturing Of A Ceramic Turbine Rotor For A Compact Jet Engine, Bryan T. Leicht
Manufacturing Of A Ceramic Turbine Rotor For A Compact Jet Engine, Bryan T. Leicht
Theses and Dissertations
The primary goal of this study was to develop a low-cost, timely, scalable manufacturing method that produced a ceramic turbine that can be tested as a drop-in replacement on a JetCat P400 small scale gas turbine engine. This research compared two processes for manufacturing a ceramic turbine utilizing a pour casting method and 3D printing using stereolithography ceramic manufacturing (SLCM). The pour casting method used Silicon Nitride to create a cast turbine using a sacrificial 3D printed mold. The SLCM method evaluated producing an alumina turbine using an ADMATEC Admaflex 300 SLCM printer to directly print a ceramic turbine. This …
Utilization Of Characteristic Modal Analysis For Antenna Design Needed For An Afit Satellite, Scott C. Podlogar
Utilization Of Characteristic Modal Analysis For Antenna Design Needed For An Afit Satellite, Scott C. Podlogar
Theses and Dissertations
Antenna design is a pervasive, growing field for electrical engineers. As the number of new materials and techniques increase so too does the demand and requirements pushing forth new innovative ideas. Among these ideas is a leading edge analytic technique called Characteristic Modal Analysis (CMA) originally credited to Garbacz and Turpin. CMA works to break down the current distribution along a structure in a way that can offer great insights into how that structure operates as an antenna. This technique has great merits in post design analytics but it is rarely seen to be integrated into the design process. This …
Magnetic Anomaly Absolute Positioning For Hypersonic Aircraft, Alexander J. Mcneil
Magnetic Anomaly Absolute Positioning For Hypersonic Aircraft, Alexander J. Mcneil
Theses and Dissertations
GPS has proven to be an extremely valuable asset for navigation, and timing. GPS has become the standard navigation system for all applications, but GPS has limitations. GPS is susceptible to jamming, spoofing, and in the case of hypersonic aircraft, is likely unavailable. When an aircraft is traveling at hypersonic speeds, there is a plasma sheath that surrounds the aircraft. This plasma sheath blocks electromagnetic waves, and is therefore responsible for a GPS blackout. GPS unavailability for hypersonic aircraft has prompted the research into the viability of alternate navigation systems for these aircraft. This paper seeks to explore the viability …
Surrogate Modeling Of Computational Aerodynamic Responses For A Generic Hypersonic Vehicle, Jacob R. Johanik
Surrogate Modeling Of Computational Aerodynamic Responses For A Generic Hypersonic Vehicle, Jacob R. Johanik
Theses and Dissertations
In the field of multidisciplinary hypersonic vehicle design, striking the balance between the accuracy and efficiency of a predictive aerodynamic response model is a significant challenge. In response to this challenge, the objective of this thesis is to evaluate the aerodynamic performance of a Generic Hypersonic Vehicle (GHV) using the technique of surrogate modeling Computational Fluid Dynamic data points across a large range of flight conditions. To accomplish this, the full CFD process was conducted by preparing the vehicle geometry, generating a grid, computing the flow, and post-processing the data. A three-dimensional, quasi-random distribution of 1000 points defined the design …
A Proposed Mission Assurance Framework For University Cubesat Programs, Mitchell R. Thomas
A Proposed Mission Assurance Framework For University Cubesat Programs, Mitchell R. Thomas
Theses and Dissertations
The low cost, small form factor, and use of Commercial-Off-The-Shelf components make CubeSats an ideal platform for university use given their unique constraints. Since 2000, roughly 55% of CubeSats developed by universities fail to meet mission goals. Mission assurance, which is used to increase confidence in mission success, is based around traditional government programs, and does not provide an adequate road map for universities. Leaving them without specific guidance in tailoring mission assurance activities to operate within their constraints. This paper adapts these traditional practices to develop a baseline mission assurance framework for university CubeSat programs.
Coupled Orbit-Attitude Dynamics And Control Of A Cubesat Equipped With A Robotic Manipulator, Charles M. Carr
Coupled Orbit-Attitude Dynamics And Control Of A Cubesat Equipped With A Robotic Manipulator, Charles M. Carr
Theses and Dissertations
This research investigates the utility and expected performance of a robotic servicing CubeSat. The coupled orbit-attitude dynamics of a 6U CubeSat equipped with a four-link serial manipulator are derived. A proportional-integral-derivative controller is implemented to guide the robot through a series of orbital scenarios, including rendezvous and docking following ejection from a chief spacecraft, repositioning the end effector to a desired location, and tracing a desired path with the end effector. Various techniques involving path planning and inverse differential kinematics are leveraged. Simulation results are presented and performance metrics such as settling time, state errors, control use, and system robustness …
Differential Game-Based Defensive Architecture Study Employing Ground-Based Interceptors, Stephen T. Zittrouer
Differential Game-Based Defensive Architecture Study Employing Ground-Based Interceptors, Stephen T. Zittrouer
Theses and Dissertations
A study of defensive architectures for combating hypersonic glide vehicles (HGVs) via interception with a ground-based interceptor (GBI) is presented. Pursuit-evasion differential games are formulated for numerical simulation of the interception engagements. A one-sided optimal control problem wherein the evader HGV is optimized and the pursuer GBI employs a suboptimal proportional navigation control strategy is solved. The solution space is characterized by varying the pursuer initial velocity advantage relative to the evader. A two-sided optimal control problem in which both players behave optimally is solved via the semi-direct collocation with nonlinear programming (semiDCNLP) method. The resulting state and control trajectories …
Aeroelasticity Of Six Degree-Of-Freedom Satellite Bus Configurations During Terminal Reentry, Jinhee F. Byun
Aeroelasticity Of Six Degree-Of-Freedom Satellite Bus Configurations During Terminal Reentry, Jinhee F. Byun
Theses and Dissertations
With disposable equipment on board, the emphasis on structural strength and robust thermal protection system (TPS) pales for a conventional satellite in comparison to reentry capsules, which are specifically designed to withstand the intense aerothermodynamic effects experienced during reentry. In this research, six degree-of-freedom (6DOF) analyses of three distinct non-aerodynamic satellite bus configurations were performed with emphasis on the investigation of their terminal reentry characteristics, and thermal and deceleration loading on the satellite body. Aeroelastic effects on their respective solar panel structures were also analyzed focusing on characterizing bending stress at their attachment/deployment mechanism. It was found that the Terra …
Investigation Of Additively Manufactured Molybdenum-Tungsten-Rhenium Alloys, Randolph T. Abaya
Investigation Of Additively Manufactured Molybdenum-Tungsten-Rhenium Alloys, Randolph T. Abaya
Theses and Dissertations
The process of creating metal components through additive manufacturing is changing the way different industries can avoid the shortcomings of traditional metal production. Metals such as tungsten, molybdenum, and rhenium have many advantages for different applications, especially when alloyed together. In this study, an additively manufactured alloy containing 70% molybdenum, 25% tungsten, and 5% rhenium (70Mo-25W-5Re) is tested for its strength, ductility, hardness, and porosity. The 70Mo-25W-5Re alloy is printed through Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) under different conditions such as printing speed and printing atmosphere. Additionally, the effects of post printing heat treatment are conducted to understand the advantages …
Design And Application Of Compact Combustors In Small-Scale Jetcat Engines, Nathan A. Clark
Design And Application Of Compact Combustors In Small-Scale Jetcat Engines, Nathan A. Clark
Theses and Dissertations
Ultra-compact combustors (UCC) are an innovative approach to improving overall engine efficiency and thrust-to-weight ratio by reducing the axial length and weight of the engine. Previous efforts looked at integrating a UCC into a small-scale JetCat P90 engine utilizing gaseous propane fuel. The current investigation aimed to utilize the previous compact combustor design and switch fuels to liquid kerosene. Based on the results from testing, a new combustor was designed equipped with a different flame holding mechanism at the larger P400-scale while maintaining a length savings of 20%. Testing of the P400 compact combustors was performed within a newly designed …
Underactuated Attitude Control Of A Cubesat Using Cold Gas Thrusters And Nonlinear Control Methods, Adam S. Cottrell
Underactuated Attitude Control Of A Cubesat Using Cold Gas Thrusters And Nonlinear Control Methods, Adam S. Cottrell
Theses and Dissertations
Impulsive thrusters on small satellites, such as CubeSats, are typically used for attitude control. However, to become more agile, small CubeSats must also look to propulsion systems utilizing impulsive thrusters, such as cold-gas, for translational maneuvers. The combined thrust vector is often misaligned with the system's center of mass resulting in a disturbance torque. This must be counteracted by either an attitude determination and control system (ADCS), additional thrusters, or a control method to keep the satellite's attitude at or near equilibrium. Nonlinearities generated by the impulsive maneuvers are overcome via control techniques explored in this research to include on-off …
Robust Error Estimation Based On Factor-Graph Models For Non-Line-Of-Sight Localization, O. Arda Vanli, Clark N. Taylor
Robust Error Estimation Based On Factor-Graph Models For Non-Line-Of-Sight Localization, O. Arda Vanli, Clark N. Taylor
Faculty Publications
This paper presents a method to estimate the covariances of the inputs in a factor-graph formulation for localization under non-line-of-sight conditions. A general solution based on covariance estimation and M-estimators in linear regression problems, is presented that is shown to give unbiased estimators of multiple variances and are robust against outliers. An iteratively re-weighted least squares algorithm is proposed to jointly compute the proposed variance estimators and the state estimates for the nonlinear factor graph optimization. The efficacy of the method is illustrated in a simulation study using a robot localization problem under various process and measurement models and measurement …
Creep Behavior And Deformation Mechanisms Of Spark Plasma Sintered Oxide Ceramics For Aerospace Systems At 1300˚C - 1400˚C, David D. Swanson
Creep Behavior And Deformation Mechanisms Of Spark Plasma Sintered Oxide Ceramics For Aerospace Systems At 1300˚C - 1400˚C, David D. Swanson
Theses and Dissertations
The mechanical behavior of YAG and LuAG was investigated at elevated temperatures. The specific materials investigated in this work include high-purity, polycrystalline YAG, high-purity, polycrystalline LuAG, and two doped variants of YAG: 2at% Yb-doped, polycrystalline YAG and 2at% Er-doped, polycrystalline YAG. Several billets of each material were prepared and processed by means of spark plasma sintering (SPS). Many different sintering parameters were utilized in order to obtain materials with various physical properties and to identify the effects of sintering parameters on the average grain size of the resulting materials. The compressive creep behavior of these materials was investigated at 1300°C …
Investigation Of Mirror Satellite Concept To Augment Natural Lighting Conditions On Orbit, Daniel M. Dombrowski
Investigation Of Mirror Satellite Concept To Augment Natural Lighting Conditions On Orbit, Daniel M. Dombrowski
Theses and Dissertations
A method of augmenting on-orbit lighting conditions for rendezvous and proximity operations through the novel use of solar reflectors is presented. Natural lighting conditions on-orbit pose extreme challenges to these already complex missions. This research summarizes and applies the historical basis of solar reflectors to the proximity operations issues encountered today. Building on this past research, a simulation has been created to test the efficacy of a solar reflector constellation in facilitating less complex servicing/inspection missions. Initial testing has shown promising results for low mass membrane mirrors in augmenting illumination conditions with particular benefit in the geosynchronous orbital regime. Through …
Design And Performance Characterization Of A Water Propellant Resistojet Thruster, Sean M. Weathersby
Design And Performance Characterization Of A Water Propellant Resistojet Thruster, Sean M. Weathersby
Theses and Dissertations
Secondary payloads, such as CubeSats, are being increasingly used by the US Department of Defense in the role of defense capability enhancement, and these increasingly complex defense missions can require extended lifespans that result in the need for a thruster. While many thruster options exist, characteristics such as propellant toxicity, complexity, and low performance limit many viable solutions. However, a potential answer that satisfies these thruster limitations is found in electrothermals, specifically the resistojet. The research presented here represents the first attempt to construct a 1U water-propellant resistojet thruster design and establish an initial characterization through evaluation of various performance …
Injection Studies On A Small-Scale Rotating Detonation Engine With Improved Flow Control, Jonathan J. Wyatt
Injection Studies On A Small-Scale Rotating Detonation Engine With Improved Flow Control, Jonathan J. Wyatt
Theses and Dissertations
The Rotating Detonation Engine (RDE) has gained increasing attention in recent years for its potential advantages over typical deflagration combustion. A Micro-RDE design with an outer diameter of 28mm operating on Nitrous Oxide and Ethylene was recently developed, which stretched the limits of small-scale detonation engines. The testing on this rig has shown a stable one wave mode detonation with frequencies reaching 16.8 kHz. Key parameters that influence the detonation wave mode are cell size, fill height, and wave speed, which are heavily influence d by injection schemes. Previous testing utilized a partially premixed jets in crossflow (JIC) injection scheme, …
Space Domain Awareness Assessment Of Cislunar Periodic Orbits For Lagrange Point Surveillance, Adam P. Wilmer
Space Domain Awareness Assessment Of Cislunar Periodic Orbits For Lagrange Point Surveillance, Adam P. Wilmer
Theses and Dissertations
Cislunar periodic orbits provide an elegant means to fill the observational capability gaps which are present in ground-based and/or near-Earth spaced-base sensors. This research involves theoretical analysis on the effectiveness of cislunar periodic orbits for Space Domain Awareness (SDA) mission architectures. Specifically, cislunar periodic orbits are analyzed, both individually and in constellations with one another, for their effectiveness at monitoring target satellites in Lyapunov and halo orbits about the Earth - Moon L1 and L2 Lagrange points. All orbits are created and modeled in the Circular Restricted Three-Body Problem (CR3BP), then subject to perturbations in both the Elliptical Restricted Three-Body …
Design, Development, And Testing Of Embedded Computing On Afit's Control & Autonomy Space Proximity Robot (Caspr), Collin A. Gwaltney
Design, Development, And Testing Of Embedded Computing On Afit's Control & Autonomy Space Proximity Robot (Caspr), Collin A. Gwaltney
Theses and Dissertations
This thesis reviews RPO algorithm testbeds and discusses the development of the Control and Autonomy Space proximity Robot (CASpR) kinematic testbed housed at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT). CASpR operates on a rail system to propagate the trajectories of two satellites using the Hill-Clohessy-Wiltshire (HCW) Equations of Motion (EOMs). In this study, the implementation of a Jetson TX2i as an onboard flight computer is discussed and accomplished. Each hardware component used in the process of adding embedded computing as well as the software and paths of communication are all discussed in detail. Tests are conducted to assess the …
The Effect Of Shot Dependency On Composite Materials Subject To Ballistic Testing, Clayton C. Hankins
The Effect Of Shot Dependency On Composite Materials Subject To Ballistic Testing, Clayton C. Hankins
Theses and Dissertations
Ballistic analysis was performed on four common composite armor materials: 3k standard modulus plain weave carbon fiber, 8HS satin weave S-glass fiber, plain weave Kevlar® KM2 600 Denier fiber, and Spectra Shield® 4232 ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene to determine shot dependency based upon shot-to-shot impact distance, degree of penetration from the initial impacts, and the delamination effects from the initial impact. The primary measure of ballistic performance was the projectile velocity which represents a 50% probability of penetration, V50. This velocity was determined using a three-phase optimal design test method with an average of twelve shots per test. …
Traffic Collision Avoidance System: False Injection Viability, John Hannah, Robert F. Mills, Richard A. Dill, Douglas D. Hodson
Traffic Collision Avoidance System: False Injection Viability, John Hannah, Robert F. Mills, Richard A. Dill, Douglas D. Hodson
Faculty Publications
Safety is a simple concept but an abstract task, specifically with aircraft. One critical safety system, the Traffic Collision Avoidance System II (TCAS), protects against mid-air collisions by predicting the course of other aircraft, determining the possibility of collision, and issuing a resolution advisory for avoidance. Previous research to identify vulnerabilities associated with TCAS’s communication processes discovered that a false injection attack presents the most comprehensive risk to veritable trust in TCAS, allowing for a mid-air collision. This research explores the viability of successfully executing a false injection attack against a target aircraft, triggering a resolution advisory. Monetary constraints precluded …
Visual Navigation And Control For Spacecraft Proximity Operations With Unknown Targets, Wyatt J. Harris
Visual Navigation And Control For Spacecraft Proximity Operations With Unknown Targets, Wyatt J. Harris
Theses and Dissertations
Many current and future spacecraft missions must conduct rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO) with resident space objects (RSOs). An important subset of spacecraft RPO that is yet to be demonstrated on-orbit involves final approach maneuvers with respect to RSOs where no information (such as geometry, inertia, relative velocity, etc.) is known about the target a priori, and no information is actively provided by the target during maneuvering. Such operation with respect to ‘unknown’ targets represents an important possible mission set for Department of Defense spacecraft and is the subject of this research. Two visual servoing frameworks capable of autonomously controlling …
Stochastic Satellite Air Drag With The Ballistic Coefficient As A Random Variable, Everett B. Palmer Iv
Stochastic Satellite Air Drag With The Ballistic Coefficient As A Random Variable, Everett B. Palmer Iv
Theses and Dissertations
The drag acceleration caused by the Earth's atmosphere is a significant cause of prediction uncertainty for low Earth orbit satellites. Most existing research has focused on improving deterministic atmospheric density predictions or on density as a random variable. This research investigates a new paradigm and focuses on modeling the uncertainty caused by air drag using the ballistic coefficient, a component of air drag that is independent of the model used to predict atmospheric density. Time series of ballistic coefficient values were calculated and analyzed as random processes. These random processes were then used as the foundation of a stochastic satellite …
Optimal Incorporation Of Non-Traditional Sensors Into The Space Domain Awareness Architecture, Albert R. Vasso
Optimal Incorporation Of Non-Traditional Sensors Into The Space Domain Awareness Architecture, Albert R. Vasso
Theses and Dissertations
The United States Government is the world’s de facto provider of space object cataloging data, but is challenged to maintain pace in an increasingly complex space environment. This work advances a multi-disciplinary approach to better understand and evaluate an underexplored solution recommended by national policy, in which current collection capabilities are augmented with non-traditional sensors. System architecting and literature identify likely needs, performance measures, and contributors to a conceptualized Augmented Network. Multiple hypothetical telescope architectures are modeled and simulated on four separate days throughout the year, then evaluated against performance measures and constraints using optimization. Decision analysis and Pareto optimality …
A Real-Time Algorithm To Achieve Precise Coordinated Arrival Times In A Time-Variant Environment, Shawn S. Stephens
A Real-Time Algorithm To Achieve Precise Coordinated Arrival Times In A Time-Variant Environment, Shawn S. Stephens
Theses and Dissertations
The coordinated arrival time problem seeks to control a vehicle's trajectory to achieve some pre-defined final state at a desired arrival time. The persistent monitoring problem is a type of coordinated arrival problem where a stationary or moving ground target must be constantly observed by a group of aircraft. This research simplifies the problem to overfly the target at specific time intervals relative to the other aircraft in the group while increasing the difficulty of the problem by considering aircraft traveling at vastly different airspeeds. The result of this research is a real time guidance algorithm which accurately guides a …
Application Of Vortex Tubes To Gas Turbine Film Cooling, Matthew N. Fuqua
Application Of Vortex Tubes To Gas Turbine Film Cooling, Matthew N. Fuqua
Theses and Dissertations
To improve thermal efficiency and reduce fuel consumption, gas turbine engines typically operate at increasingly higher turbine inlet temperatures--well in excess of turbine blade material limits--and film cooling schemes are normally employed to reduce metal temperatures within acceptable limits and prevent structural failure. Cooling requirements vary across a blade surface, but there currently exists no means by which coolant temperatures can be locally adjusted to facilitate optimized usage across a blade. Ranque-Hilsch vortex tubes were investigated as a means of adjusting coolant temperatures solely by fluidic means, induced by the phenomenon of temperature separation. Analytical frameworks were developed to determine …
Pseudospectral Methods Of Robust Optimal Motion Planning For Multi-Aperture Space Systems With Motion And Vibration Compensation, Brian W. Bishop
Pseudospectral Methods Of Robust Optimal Motion Planning For Multi-Aperture Space Systems With Motion And Vibration Compensation, Brian W. Bishop
Theses and Dissertations
For multi-body, flexible systems, the ability to achieve rapid reorientation maneuvers can be impacted by nonlinear dynamics and uncertainty in the model parameters impacting the ability to achieve an optimal trajectory computed using nominal parameter values. Trajectory sensitivity to parameter variations increases final pointing error and residual vibrational energy in the system. This manuscript explores using pseudospectral methods to generate robust optimal control trajectories minimizing trajectory sensitivity to parameter variations and derives maneuvers minimizing residual energy and pointing error. The robustness of open-loop optimal control is compared to a standard maneuver derived using traditional methods demonstrating the ability to simultaneously …
Evaluation Of Additively Manufactured Lattices Under High Strain Rate Impact, Derek G. Spear
Evaluation Of Additively Manufactured Lattices Under High Strain Rate Impact, Derek G. Spear
Theses and Dissertations
Several additively manufactured lattice designs and configurations were evaluated under compression loads under various strain rates from quasi-static to highly dynamic. These experiments examined how the mechanical behavior of the lattice changed based on the lattice design properties and the applied strain rates. The modulus of elasticity, yield strength, plateau stress, and toughness were observed to decrease with an increase in strain rate, revealing that the lattice designs exhibit a negative strain rate sensitivity. A new lattice flow stress model was developed to account for the mechanical response of the lattice and was incorporated into a computational model for simulation. …
One Dimensional Study Of Magnetoplasmadynamic Thrusters For A Potential New Class Of Heavy Ion Drivers For Plasma Jet Driven Magnetoinertial Fusion, Patrick M. Brown
One Dimensional Study Of Magnetoplasmadynamic Thrusters For A Potential New Class Of Heavy Ion Drivers For Plasma Jet Driven Magnetoinertial Fusion, Patrick M. Brown
Theses and Dissertations
Plasma Jet Driven Magnetoinertial Fusion (PJMIF) requires high velocity heavy ion drivers in order to compress a magnetized target to fusion conditions. Previous work with heavy ion drivers has revealed sub-par accelerations due to plasma instabilities; thus, it is necessary to investigate new methods of heavy ion plasma acceleration. One such method is Magnetoplasmadynamic (MPD) thrusters. Past studies of these thrusters have been conducted at an initial temperature at or below the energy of full ionization. Here MPD thrusters are investigated using a Godunov type MHD solver with a Harten-Lax van Leer-D (HLLD) flux solving scheme assuming the plasma is …
Autonomous Mission Planning For Spacecraft Rendezvous And Proximity Operations, Julia C. Bell
Autonomous Mission Planning For Spacecraft Rendezvous And Proximity Operations, Julia C. Bell
Theses and Dissertations
The evolving space environment has created a demand for autonomous spacecraft that can maneuver in complex and sometimes contentious environments. Constraint enforcement, such as an avoidance zone to prevent collision with a target, is a key component of autonomous control to ensure safety and performance requirements are met. Finite-horizon Model Predictive Control (MPC) is a popular control method due to its improved computation time while optimizing performance. Two areas of MPC in need of expansion are time-varying constraints and phase transitions in multi-phase applications. In this work, MPC is employed to track the reference trajectory of a multi-phase satellite inspection …
Six Degree-Of-Freedom Mission Planning For Reentry Trajectories, Peter Davis
Six Degree-Of-Freedom Mission Planning For Reentry Trajectories, Peter Davis
Theses and Dissertations
Traditional reentry dynamics and planning has typically explored 3 Degrees-of- Freedom (3 DOF) or pseudo 6-DoF problem formulations. This research expands upon previous work and presents a path-constrained optimal control formulation of a fully 6 Degrees-of-Freedom (3 DOF) dynamic system for an unpowered Reentry Vehicle (RV). In a full 6-DoF dynamic system, the translation, rotation and rotational rates are continually tracked. A system of equations of motion are developed to express the dynamics of the RV in terms of defined states and the RV's physical control detections. A neural-network is used to approximate the aerodynamic database of an exemplary RV. …