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Payne, M. H.

Publications and source records attributed to Payne, M. H..

An analytic study on bounds for the associated Legendre functions

The bounds for the normalized associated Legendre functions P sub nm were studied to provide a rational basis for the truncation of the geopotential series in spherical harmonics in various orbital analyses. The conjecture is made that the largest maximum of the normalized associated Legendre function lies in the interval which indicates the greatest integer function. A procedure is developed for verifying this conjecture. An on-line algebraic manipulator, IAM, is used to implement the procedure and the verification is carried out for all n equal to or less than 2m, for m = 1 through 6. A rigorous proof of the conjecture is not available.

Payne, M. H.

Estimation of bounds for the geopotential coefficients

A numerical analysis of zonal geopotential coefficients and the bounds on the tesseral coefficients is presented. Modifications designed to incorporate data on the earth's density distribution are developed. The nature of the modifications and the application are discussed.

Payne, M. H.

A computer program to calculate zeroes, extrema, and interval integrals for the associated Legendre functions

A computer program is described for the calculation of the zeroes of the associated Legendre functions, Pnm, and their derivatives, for the calculation of the extrema of Pnm and also the integral between pairs of successive zeroes. The program has been run for all n,m from (0,0) to (20,20) and selected cases beyond that for n up to 40. Up to (20,20), the program (written in double precision) retains nearly full accuracy, and indications are that up to (40,40) there is still sufficient precision (4-5 decimal digits for a 54-bit mantissa) for estimation of various bounds and errors involved in geopotential modelling, the purpose for which the program was written.

Payne, M. H.

Two impulse trajectory optimization for the RAE-B orbit trim problem

The results are reported of work on an appropriate approach to the solution of the optimum two-impulse transfer problem between orbits of specified inclination. The task included a literature search to identify the current state of the art and a definition of the suggested approach for the specific application of a lunar orbit trim. The applications of the results to the problem are included. The formulation for a computer program developed under this task following a more conventional approach is also included.

Payne, M. H.

Optimum Three Impulse Trajectory Generator with Patched Conic Trajectory Model

Optimal multi-impulse trajectories were investigated as a nominal about which asymptotic expansion was used to obtain approximations of optimal low thrust trajectories. The work consisted of the analysis and description of an optimal 3-impulse trajectory program. A patched-conic trajectory model was specifically designed for compatibility with the subsequent addition of the low thrust expansion approximation.

Payne, M. H.