Is there an Optimization Tool that returns a function?

Hey:)

So this is my problem:

I want to maximize the final mass of an ascending rocket into an orbit by controlling the trajectory over a thrust vector control variable a(t). So I need an Optimization Toolbox that returns me the optimal function a(t), but the objective function I want to minimize is m(t). And I couldn't find anything about this anywhere. I tried for example fmincon, but fmincon only returns a scalar.

Do you have any ideas?

Answer 1

[Stephan]

Hi,

yes, there is functionalDerivative which is useful in this case. See the examples in the documentation. There is a tutorial for this function also, where you can learn how it works.

Best regards

Stephan

[Brendan Görres]

So as I understood it,in my particular case as mentioned above, I have write a code that returns me a functin of a(t) and pass this function to fmincon so that it returns me the maximum mass with which my vehicle can reach the given final orbit. Am I right? Or is it impossible to combine to fmincon with functionalDerivative?

[Stephan]

functionalDerivative will return a symbolic result. Maybe it helps if you work through the Brachistochrone example, to understand what you can expect by using functionalDerivative.

[Brendan Görres]

I did, but anyways thank you a lot, I got some new ideas and I am going to try them out.

Best Regards

Brendan