Designing a Swarm Control Algorithm for a Group of Robots in a Persistently Disturbed Environment

The paper describes the development of a software simulation package in the MATLAB 2017b environment for modelling the problem of swarm control of a group of robots moving a platform at a preset velocity to a certain target region of the motion plane when the environment is persistently disturbed. We present simulation results for solving the problem for groups of two and four robots. We plan to use the software package as a basis for implementing more complex swarm control problems, such as target interception by a group of small smart weapons. The main feature of swarm control is minimum amount of information used. This approach improves the survivability of the system as a whole. Group decision-making time virtually does not depend on the number of robots in the swarm. Each robot changes those parameters of the platform that are also affected by the actions of other robots. Each robot in the swarm uses measurements to arrive at optimum control in limited information conditions relative to the system configuration and target requirements, which is what ensures completion of the task posed. Each robot operates independently from others.

Actuator Design and Flight Testing of an Active Microspoiler-Equipped Projectile

Actively controlled gun-launched projectiles require a means of modifying the projectile flight trajectory. While numerous potential mechanisms exist, microspoiler devices have been shown to be a promising control actuator for fin-stabilized projectiles in supersonic flight. These devices induce a trim force and moment generated by the boundary layer–shock interaction between the projectile body, rear stabilizing fins, and microspoilers. Previous investigations of microspoiler mechanisms have established estimates of baseline control authority, but experimental results have been restricted to cases in which the mechanism was statically deployed. This paper details the design and flight testing of a projectile equipped with a set of active microspoilers. A mechanical actuator is proposed that exhibits unique advantages in terms of robustness, simplicity, gun-launch survivability, and bandwidth compared to other projectile actuator mechanisms considered to date. A set of integrated test projectiles is constructed using this actuator design, and flight experiments are performed in which the microspoilers are oscillated near the projectile roll frequency. Data obtained from these flight tests are used in parameter estimation studies to experimentally characterize the aerodynamic effects of actively oscillating microspoilers. These predictions compare favorably with estimates obtained from computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Overall, the results presented here demonstrate that actively controlled microspoilers can generate reasonably high levels of lateral acceleration suitable for trajectory modification in many smart-weapons applications.

Present and Futuristic Trends in Weapon System

The basic principle of war is based on protection, mobility and firepower. The present scenario of omni-directional and multidisciplinary threats and decreasing response time has made intelligence inevitable for the system to survive and win the war. The intelligence of the system calls for interface of refined logic with systems without compromising any parameters of the gun. However, much of the efforts and funds are directed towards developing the newer technologies to enhance the performance of weapon system in terms of accuracy, consistency, range (stand-off), lethality and transportability. The efforts are also directed towards making smart weapons controlled distantly and cost effective. The future battlefields are going to be dominated by the technological advancements taking place and thus, the technological superiority (i.e. systems with high degree of intelligence) over the adversaries will be the deciding factor to win the war.

Cold War Legacies

What are the legacies of the Cold War? This interdisciplinary collection explores how, in a number of fundamental ways, contemporary life and thought continue to be shaped by theories, technologies and attitudes that were forged during World War II and developed into organisational structures during the long Cold War. From futures research, pattern recognition algorithms, nuclear waste disposal and surveillance technologies, to smart weapons systems, contemporary fiction and art, this book shows that we live in a world imagined and engineered during the Cold War.