Control allocation for the next generation of entry vehicles

Control allocation is the process of assigning control responsibility amongst redundant actuators. A control allocation algorithm for an entry vehicle is presented that uses a linear program to optimally specify bounded aerosurface deflections and jet firings in response to torque commands. Actuator preference is introduced via an objective function to produce a unique solution when the system of linear equations is underdetermined. A multivariable control law is adopted to drive the control allocation algorithm and to track the desired state of the entry vehicle model. Open loop and closed loop tests are conducted to demonstrate dynamic objective calculation, blended aerosurface/jet capability, and efficient reconfiguration in the event of actuator failure. An approach is also presented to define the relationship between systematic errors in measured vehicle state and the actuator commands produced by the control allocation algorithm. Potential control allocation applications beyond the entry problem and other recommendations for further research are stated in the concluding remarks.

Department dc:contributor.department

Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dept. of Aeronautics and Astronautics.

Grantor dc:publisher

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2001

Author dc:creator

• Shertzer, Richard H. (Richard Hayden), 1977-

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Douglas J. Zimpfer.

• Aeronautics and Astronautics.

Statement dc:rights

• M.I.T. theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. See provided URL for inquiries about permission.

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/7582

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/8718

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dspace.mit.edu:1721.1/8718