Design of Flight Control Systems by Optimal Control Methods

Abstract

We outline two example applications of optimal control methodologies to aid in the design of control systems. The first method uses CONSOLE, a computer-aided design program based on feasible direction and multicriterion optimization, for controller parameter selection. The second method, based on linear quadratic regulator theory, selects a controller structure where the parameters are selected to minimize a performance function. Each of these methods is demonstrated using a realistic example for Grumman Aerospace Corporation. The CONSOLE method is used for a pitch control design for the X-29, a forward-swept wing aircraft, while the linear-quadratic- gaussian/loop transfer recovery method is used for a pitch control design for the F- 14.<P>We show that the designs from these methods are at least comparable to ones done with other methods. In fact, the LQG/LTR design method leads to a stable robust design. Therefore, these design tools would be useful additions to a control designer's toolbox.