A Study of the Circular Pursuit Dynamics using Bifurcation Theoretic Computational Approach
This work addresses guidance laws for pursuer-target engagement in a planar scenario, but it appears incremental as it applies an existing bifurcation theory approach to a specific dynamics problem.
The paper tackled the circular pursuit guidance problem by deriving a mathematical model and analyzing two cases with and without pursuer speed dynamics, using a bifurcation theory-based numerical approach to elucidate engagement laws.
A circular pursuit guidance problem involving pursuer-target engagement is studied in this paper using a bifurcation theory based numerical approach. While target is modeled as a point mass moving around in a circle with certain velocity, pursuer dynamics is driven by the relative position and orientation with respect to the target. A planar case is currently considered. A mathematical model representing the engagement scenario is derived and two cases are presented, one without and the other with a basic model for pursuer speed dynamics accounting for limitations imposed by available force. Analytical and simulation results are presented to elucidate the novel approach. Advantages of using this approach for arriving at laws for pursuer-target engagement are highlighted.