A review of convex approaches for control, observation and safety of linear parameter varying and Takagi-Sugeno systems

This paper provides a review about the concept of convex systems based on Takagi-Sugeno, linear parameter varying (LPV) and quasi-LPV modeling. These paradigms are capable of hiding the nonlinearities by means of an equivalent description which uses a set of linear models interpolated by appropriately defined weighing functions. Convex systems have become very popular since they allow applying extended linear techniques based on linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) to complex nonlinear systems. This survey aims at providing the reader with a significant overview of the existing LMI-based techniques for convex systems in the fields of control, observation and safety. Firstly, a detailed review of stability, feedback, tracking and model predictive control (MPC) convex controllers is considered. Secondly, the problem of state estimation is addressed through the design of proportional, proportional-integral, unknown input and descriptor observers. Finally, safety of convex systems is discussed by describing popular techniques for fault diagnosis and fault tolerant control (FTC).Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version

Multivariable Robust Fault Tolerant Control For Work-Class Remotely Operated Vehicle

To deal with complex disturbances and the presence of partial loss of propeller effectiveness in work-class remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), a method of robust fault tolerant control is proposed, which is based on adaptive sliding mode control. In this approach, adaptive technique is employed to estimate the bounds’ information of external complex disturbances and the effectiveness loss of the propeller. And a sliding mode controller is then designed to achieve fault tolerant control and external disturbance rejection. Corresponding stability of the closed-loop control system is analyzed using Lyapunov stability theory. Apply this method to trajectory tracking control of work-class ROVs, the simulation results validate that great fault tolerant capability and a good performance of external disturbance rejection can be achieved even under partial loss of propeller effectiveness

Terminal Sliding Mode Control with Unidirectional Auxiliary Surfaces for Hypersonic Vehicles Based on Adaptive Disturbance Observer

A novel flight control scheme is proposed using the terminal sliding mode technique, unidirectional auxiliary surfaces and the disturbance observer model. These proposed dynamic attitude control systems can improve control performance of hypersonic vehicles despite uncertainties and external disturbances. The terminal attractor is employed to improve the convergence rate associated with the critical damping characteristics problem noted in short-period motions of hypersonic vehicles. The proposed robust attitude control scheme uses a dynamic terminal sliding mode with unidirectional auxiliary surfaces. The nonlinear disturbance observer is designed to estimate system uncertainties and external disturbances. The output of the disturbance observer aids the robust adaptive control scheme and improves robust attitude control performance. Finally, simulation results are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed terminal sliding mode with unidirectional auxiliary surfaces

Adaptive Multivariable Integral TSMC of a Hypersonic Gliding Vehicle with Actuator Faults and Model Uncertainties

This paper presents a fault-tolerant control (FTC) strategy for a hypersonic gliding vehicle (HGV) subject to actuator malfunctions and model uncertainties. The control-oriented model of the HGV is estabilished according to the HGV kinematic and aerodynamic models. A single-loop design for HGV FTC under actuator faults is subsequently developed, where newly developed multivariable integral terminal sliding mode control (TSMC) and adaptive techniques are integrated. The multivariable integral TSMC is capable of ensuring the finite-time stability of the closed-loop system in the presence of actuator malfunctions and model uncertainties, while the adaptive laws are employed to tune the control parameters in response to the HGV status. Simulation studies based on a six degree-of-freedom (DOF) nonlinear model of the HGV are illustrated to highlight the effectiveness of the developed FTC scheme

The Design of Fixed-Time Observer and Finite-Time Fault-Tolerant Control for Hypersonic Gliding Vehicles

This paper proposes a fault-tolerant control scheme for a hypersonic gliding vehicle to counteract actuator faults and model uncertainties. Starting from the kinematic and aerodynamic models of the hypersonic vehicle, the control-oriented model subject to actuator faults is built. The observers are designed to estimate the information of actuator faults and model uncertainties, and to guarantee the estimation errors for converging to zero in fixed settling time. Subsequently, the finite-time multivariable terminal sliding mode control and composite-loop design are pursued to enable integration into the faulttolerant control, which can ensure the safety of the postfault vehicle in a timely manner. Simulation studies of a six degree-of-freedom nonlinear model of the hypersonic gliding vehicle are carried out to manifest the effectiveness of the investigated fault-tolerant control system

Incremental twisting fault tolerant control for hypersonic vehicles with partial model knowledge

A passive fault tolerant control scheme is proposed for the full reentry trajectory tracking of a hypersonic vehicle in the presence of modelling uncertainties, external disturbances, and actuator faults. To achieve this goal, the attitude error dynamics with relative degree two is formulated first by ignoring the nonlinearities induced by the translational motions. Then, a multivariable twisting controller is developed as a benchmark to ensure the precise tracking task. Theoretical analysis with the Lyapunov method proves that the attitude tracking error and its first-order derivative can simultaneously converge to the origin exponentially. To depend less on the model knowledge and reduce the system uncertainties, an incremental twisting fault tolerant controller is derived based on the incremental nonlinear dynamic inversion control and the predesigned twisting controller. Notably, the proposed controller is user friendly in that only fixed gains and partial model knowledge are required

Avoiding contingent incidents by quadrotors due to one or two propellers failure

With the increasing impact of drones in our daily lives, safety issues have become a primary concern. In this study, a novel supervisor-based active fault-tolerant (FT) control system is presented for a rotary-wing quadrotor to maintain its pose in 3D space upon losing one or two propellers. Our approach allows the quadrotor to make controlled movements about a primary axis attached to the body-fixed frame. A multi-loop cascaded control architecture is designed to ensure robustness, stability, reference tracking, and safe landing. The altitude control is performed using a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller, whereas linear-quadratic-integral (LQI) and model-predictive-control (MPC) have been investigated for reduced attitude control and their performance is compared based on absolute and mean-squared error. The simulation results affirm that the quadrotor remains in a stable region, successfully performs the reference tracking, and ensures a safe landing while counteracting the effects of propeller(s) failures

Validation of Quad Tail-sitter VTOL UAV Model in Fixed Wing Mode

Vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) is a type of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that is growing rapidly because its ability to take off and land anywhere in tight spaces. One type of VTOL UAV, the tail-sitter, has the best efficiency. However, besides the efficiency offered, some challenges must still be overcome, including the complexity of combining the ability to hover like a helicopter and fly horizontally like a fixed-wing aircraft. This research has two contributions: in the form of how the analytical model is generated and the tools used (specifically for the small VTOL quad tail-sitter UAV) and how to utilize off-the-shelf components for UAV empirical modeling. This research focuses on increasing the speed and accuracy of the UAV VTOL control design in fixed-wing mode. The first step is to carry out analysis and simulation. The model is analytically obtained using OpenVSP in longitudinal and lateral modes. The next step is to realize this analytical model for both the aircraft and the controls. The third step is to measure the flight characteristics of the aircraft. Based on the data recorded during flights, an empirical model is made using system identification technique. The final step is to vali-date the analytical model with the empirical model. The results show that the characteristics of the analytical mode fulfill the specified requirements and are close to the empirical model. Thus, it can be concluded that the analytical model can be implemented directly, and consequently, the VTOL UAV design and development process has been shortened

Langley aerospace test highlights, 1985

The role of the Langley Research Center is to perform basic and applied research necessary for the advancement of aeronautics and space flight, to generate new and advanced concepts for the accomplishment of related national goals, and to provide research advice, technological support, and assistance to other NASA installations, other government agencies, and industry. Significant tests which were performed during calendar year 1985 in Langley test facilities, are highlighted. Both the broad range of the research and technology activities at the Langley Research Center and the contributions of this work toward maintaining United States leadership in aeronautics and space research, are illustrated. Other highlights of Langley research and technology for 1985 are described in Research and Technology-1985 Annual Report of the Langley Research Center

Robust nonlinear trajectory controllers for a single-rotor UAV with particle swarm optimization tuning

This paper presents the utilization of robust nonlinear control schemes for a single-rotor unmanned aerial vehicle (SR-UAV) mathematical model. The nonlinear dynamics of the vehicle are modeled according to the translational and rotational motions. The general structure is based on a translation controller connected in cascade with a P-PI attitude controller. Three different control approaches (classical PID, Super Twisting, and Adaptive Sliding Mode) are compared for the translation control. The parameters of such controllers are hard to tune by using a trial-and-error procedure, so we use an automated tuning procedure based on the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) method. The controllers were simulated in scenarios with wind gust disturbances, and a performance comparison was made between the different controllers with and without optimized gains. The results show a significant improvement in the performance of the PSO-tuned controllers.Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version