Investigation of range extension with a genetic algorithm

摘要

Range optimization is one of the tasks associated with the development of cost- effective, stand-off, air-to-surface munitions systems. The search for the optimal input parameters that will result in the maximum achievable range often employ conventional Monte Carlo techniques. Monte Carlo approaches can be time-consuming, costly, and insensitive to mutually dependent parameters and epistatic parameter effects. An alternative search and optimization technique is available in genetic algorithms. In the experiments discussed in this report, a simplified platform motion simulator was the fitness function for a genetic algorithm. The parameters to be optimized were the inputs to this motion generator and the simulator's output (terminal range) was the fitness measure. The parameters of interest were initial launch altitude, initial launch speed, wing angle-of-attack, and engine ignition time. The parameter values the GA produced were validated by Monte Carlo investigations employing a full-scale six-degree-of-freedom (6 DOF) simulation. The best results produced by Monte Carlo processes using values based on the GA derived parameters were within - 1% of the ranges generated by the simplified model using the evolved parameter values. This report has five sections. Section 2 discusses the motivation for the range extension investigation and reviews the surrogate flight model developed as a fitness function for the genetic algorithm tool. Section 3 details the representation and implementation of the task within the genetic algorithm framework. Section 4 discusses the results. Section 5 concludes the report with a summary and suggestions for further research.