Date of Award

Fall 12-2015

Access Type

Thesis - Open Access

Degree Name

Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering

Department

Aerospace Engineering

Committee Chair

M.J. Balas

First Committee Member

Darris White

Second Committee Member

Bogdan Udrea

Third Committee Member

Richard Prazenica

Abstract

In this paper we explore a Direct Adaptive Control scheme for stabilizing a non-linear, physics based model of the longitudinal dynamics for an air breathing hypersonic vehicle. The model, derived from first principles, captures the complex interactions between the propulsion system, aerodynamics, and structural dynamics. The linearized aircraft dynamics show unstable and non-minimum phase behavior. It also shows a strong short period coupling with the fuselage-bending mode. The value added by direct adaptive control and the theoretical requirements for stable convergent operation is displayed. One of the main benefits of the Directive Adaptive Control is that it can be implemented knowing very little detail about the plant. The implementation uses only measured output feedback to accomplish the adaptation. A stability analysis is conducted on the linearized plant to understand the complex aero-propulsion and structural interactions. The multivariable system possesses certain characteristics beneficial to the adaptive control scheme; we discuss these advantages and ideas for future work.

Share

COinS