Fault estimation and fault-tolerant control for discrete-time dynamic systems

In this paper, a novel discrete-time estimator is proposed, which is employed for simultaneous estimation of system states, and actuator/sensor faults in a discrete-time dynamic system. The existence of the discrete-time simultaneous estimator is proven mathematically. The systematic design procedure for the derivative and proportional observer gains is addressed, enabling the estimation error dynamics to be internally proper and stable, and robust against the effects from the process disturbances, measurement noise, and faults. Based on the estimated fault signals and system states, a discrete-time fault-tolerant design approach is addressed, by which the system may recover the system performance when actuator/sensor faults occur. Finally, the proposed integrated discrete-time fault estimation and fault-tolerant control technique is applied to the vehicle lateral dynamics, which demonstrates the effectiveness of the developed techniques

Nonlinear and adaptive control

The primary thrust of the research was to conduct fundamental research in the theories and methodologies for designing complex high-performance multivariable feedback control systems; and to conduct feasibiltiy studies in application areas of interest to NASA sponsors that point out advantages and shortcomings of available control system design methodologies