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Trade-offs is one of important elements for engineering design problems characterized by multiple conflicting objectives that needs to be simultaneously improved. In this study, the real-coded Adaptive Range Multi-Objective Genetic Algorithm (ARMOGA) code, which represents the global multi-objective optimization algorithm, was developed for an airfoil shape design. In order to achieve the better aerodynamic characteristics than reference airfoil at landing and cruise conditions, maximum lift coefficient and lift-to-drag ratio were chosen as object functions. Futhermore, the PARSEC method reflecting geometrical properties of airfoil was adopted to generate airfoil shapes. Finally, two airfoils, which show better aerodynamic characteristics than a reference airfoil, were chosen. As a result, maximum lift coefficient and lift-to-drag ratio were increased of 4.89% and 5.38% for first candidate airfoil and 7.13% and 4.33% for second candidate airfoil.

Design candidates obtained from optimization techniques may have meaningful information, which provides not only the best solution, but also a relationship between object functions and design variables. In particular, trade-off studies for optimum airfoil shape design involving various objectives and design variables require the effective analysis tool to take into account a complexity between objectives and design variables. In this study, for the multiple-conflicting objectives that need to be simultaneously fulfilled, the real-coded Adaptive Range Multi-Objective Genetic Algorithm code, which represents the global and stochastic multi-objective evolutionary algorithm, was developed for an airfoil shape design. Furthermore, the PARSEC method reflecting geometrical properties of airfoil is adopted to generate airfoil shapes. In addition, the Self-Organizing Maps, based on the neural network, are used to visualize trade-offs of a relationship between the objective function space and the design variable space obtained by evolutionary computation. The Self-Organizing Maps that can be considered as data mining of the engineering design generate clusters of object functions and design variables as an essential role of trade-off studies. The aerodynamic data for all candidate airfoils is obtained through Computational Fluid Dynamics. Lastly, the relationship between the maximum lift coefficient and maximum lift-to-drag ratio as object functions and 12 airfoil design parameters based on the PARSEC method is investigated using the Self-Organizing Maps method.

A recently developed nonlinear programming stochastic projection of the gradient-type technique is applied to get and test novel procedures for tri-dimensional guidance and control of a satellite solid-fuel launch vehicle. Near optimal open-loop and low-frequency closed-loop solutions are obtained by parametrization of the control history and by considering the satisfaction of boundary constraints unless of specified random errors. Numerical simulations and tests show that the closed-loop solution can cope with the typical model uncertainties and environmental perturbations. A non standard situation of having a fourth stage with a free burning time is tested.

The Brazilian deep space mission ASTER, as temporarily named, plans to send a small spacecraft to encounter and investigate the triple asteroid 2001-SN263. The launch is scheduled (initially) to occur in 2015, arriving in 2018. The main motivation of the mission is the development of technology and expertise to leverage the national space sector. Within the scientific goals, the investigation of the still unknown asteroid 2001-SN263. The main project guideline is to aggregate the widest possible Brazilian involvement in the platform, the development and operation of subsystems, integration, payload, as well as in the tracking, navigation, guidance and control of the probe. To meet this guideline, among others, the decision for the development of a laser altimeter in Brazil to fly in the mission was taken. This effort is currently coordinated by a group of researchers from the aerospace engineering personnel of UFABC. This article presents the preliminary development plan for the design of this instrument, which was called ALR (ASTER Laser Rangefinder).