Large Space Structure Figure Estimation and Control

Abstract

This report describes an experimental structure which has been constructed to demonstrate and validate recent and emerging technologies in the active control and identification of large flexible space structures. The configuration consists of a large, 20 foot diameter antenna-like flexible structure in the horizontal plane with a gimballed central hub, a flexible feed- boom assembly hanging from the hub, and 12 flexible ribs radiating outward. Fourteen electrodynamic force actuators mounted to the hub and to the individual ribs provide the means to excite the structure and exert control forces. Thirty permanently mounted sensors, including optical encoders and analog induction devices provide measurements of structural response at widely distributed points. An experimental remote optical sensor provides sixteen additional sensing channels. A computer samples the sensors, computes the control updates and sends commands to the actuators in real time, while simultaneously displaying selected outputs on a graphics terminal and saving them in memory. Several control experiments have been conducted thus far and are documented in this report. These include implementation of distributed parameter system control, model reference adaptive control, and static shape control. These experiments have demonstrated the successful implementation of state-of-the-art control approaches using actual hardware.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 1989
Accession Number
ADA210577

Entities

People

  • Che-hang C. Ih
  • Daniel B. Eldred
  • Gerald E. Fleischer
  • Howard C. Vivian
  • Patrick E. Blaire

Organizations

  • California Institute of Technology

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Sensors
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Accuracy
  • Closed Loop Systems
  • Computer Programming
  • Computer Programs
  • Computers
  • Control Systems
  • Finite Element Analysis
  • Information Science
  • Jet Propulsion
  • Mathematical Filters
  • Operating Systems
  • Resonant Frequency
  • Space Systems
  • System Software
  • Test And Evaluation
  • Test Facilities
  • Three Dimensional

Readers

  • Computer Science/Computer Engineering/Data Science/Digital Signal Processing.
  • Explosive Engineering.
  • Robotics and Automation.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Spacecraft Maneuvers