In this paper, a synthetic jet actuators (SJA)-based nonlinear robust controller is developed, which is capable of completely suppressing limit cycle oscillations (LCO) in UAV systems with parametric uncertainty in the SJA dynamics and unmodeled external disturbances. Specifically, the control law compensates for uncertainty in an input gain matrix, which results from the unknown airflow dynamics generated by the SJA. Challenges in the control design include compensation for input-multiplicative parametric uncertainty in the actuator dynamic model. The result was achieved via innovative algebraic manipulation in the error system development, along with a Lyapunov-based robust control law. A rigorous Lyapunov-based stability analysis is utilized to prove asymptotic LCO suppression, considering a detailed dynamic model of the pitching and plunging dynamics. Numerical simulation results are provided to demonstrate the robustness and practical performance of the proposed control law.
We examine a new robust nonlinear flight control technology that employs an array of synthetic-jet micro-actuators embedded in UAV wing design in order to completely eliminate moving parts (such as ailerons) thus greatly enhancing maneuverability required for small fixed-wing air vehicles operating, e.g., in tight urban environments. Estimated fast response times are critical in mitigating gust effects while greatly improving flight stability and control. The new controller design is particularly advantageous for high levels of uncertainty and nonlinearity present both in the unsteady flow-path environment and in the embedded actuator’s response. The current work focuses on a benchmark case of flutter control of 2-DOF elastically-mounted airfoil entering limit-cycle oscillations (LCO) due to impinging upstream flow disturbance. Preliminary parametric studies conducted for various SJA excitation amplitudes and frequencies examine the thresholds of the actuator’s control authority to produce a desirable impact.
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