Michalopoulos, Constantine D.2022-10-062022-10-06197413877499https://hdl.handle.net/10657/12239The present investigation is a study of the solution of a complex entry optimization problem. The problem is transformed into a two-point boundary value problem by using classical calculus of variations methods. Two-point boundary value problems usually require iterative numerical methods for solution, and thus, two perturbation methods were devised. These methods attempted to desensitize the contingency of the solution of this type of problem on the required initial co-state estimates. Numerical results are presented for the optimal solution resulting from a number of different initial co-state estimates. The perturbation methods are compared, and it is found that they are an improvement over existing methods.application/pdfenThis item is protected by copyright but is made available here under a claim of fair use (17 U.S.C. Section 107) for non-profit research and educational purposes. Users of this work assume the responsibility for determining copyright status prior to reusing, publishing, or reproducing this item for purposes other than what is allowed by fair use or other copyright exemptions. Any reuse of this item in excess of fair use or other copyright exemptions requires express permission of the copyright holder.Thesisreformatted digital