A Mathematical Model for the Longitudinal Control System of the Space Shuttle Orbiter

Abstract

The analysis of a fly-by-wire longitudinal control system, specifically that of the space shuttle orbiter, was undertaken in order to demonstrate the construction of a mathematical model depicting the relationships between forcing function and response. Each facet of modern control theory, including stability, was developed. Several computer programs were written for the HP9830 computer/plotter; these programs are basic to the study of control theory, demonstrate the importance of the transfer function, the characteristic equation, and the various forms of feedback, and will plot time and frequency (Bode) response graphs given the proper inputs. The Continuous System Modeling Program, version III, and the IBM360 were used to analyze the complex control system installed in the orbiter. The demonstration of the model and its interface with the CSMP program was given, and the efficiency of this procedure was made clear.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 25, 1977
Accession Number
ADA041158

Entities

People

  • Cole J. Pierce

Organizations

  • Naval Postgraduate School

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Cyber
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aircrafts
  • Airframes
  • Computational Chemistry Methods
  • Computational Science
  • Computer Programs
  • Computers
  • Control Surfaces
  • Control Systems
  • Control Systems Engineering
  • Control Theory
  • Differential Equations
  • Energy Management
  • Engineering
  • Equations Of Motion
  • Equations Of State
  • Plastic Explosives
  • Space Shuttles

Readers

  • Aerospace Engineering.
  • Computer Science.
  • Control Systems Engineering.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Spacecraft Maneuvers