Computational error estimation and adaptive error control for a finite element solution of launch vehicle trajectory problems

In this paper, we consider a discontinuous Galerkin finite element method f or first order initial-final value problems arising from optimal control of launch vehicles. In particular, we derive an a posteriori error estimate f or this method that is subsequently implemented to provide a computational error estimate used for adaptive error control. We discuss several practica l issues in the implementation of the computational error estimate as well. We test the theory on a real-life trajectory problem and find that the est imates are reliable and accurate while the adaptive error control leads to a significant gain in efficiency.