Multivariable Digital Flight Control Design of the X-29A.
Abstract
Multivariable design techniques developed by Professor Brian Porter of the University of Salford, England are applied to the X-29A forward swept-wing demonstrator. The aircraft model is in a linearized state-space form at a number of different flight conditions. The computer aided design program MULTI is used to develop the control laws. Separate longitudinal and lateral controllers are developed for each of eight maneuvers of five different flight conditions: 0.4 Mach, 0k ft; 0.9 Mach, 50k ft; 1.2 Mach, 15k ft; 0.7 Mach, 15k ft; and 0.9 Mach, 0k ft. A universal lateral controller that is effective for all maneuvers at all flight conditions is developed. Finally, a universal lateral controller requiring only three distinct gains is developed. This minimum gain universal lateral controller produces minimal degradation of response, while permitting the elimination of gain scheduling usually required of digital flight controllers. In addition, maximum possible maneuvers are performed without exceeding control input limitations. Suggestions for improving MULTI to allow artificial intelligence algorithms are discussed. These would enable the designer to determine the number of point designs required to satisfactorily cover the flight envelope, and at the same time provide the designer with the capability of designing for many points with minimal effort. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1984
- Accession Number
- ADA140983
Entities
People
- R. S. Feldmann
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology