Decentralized Control of an Airbreathing Scramjet-Powered Hypersonic Vehicle

Abstract

In this paper, an overview is provided of control efforts implemented using the scramjetpowered hypersonic vehicle model developed by Bolender, Doman, et.al. (2005-2009). The nonlinear model is characterized by unstable non-minimum phase dynamics with aeroelastic-propulsion coupling and nonlinear propulsion constraints. The viability of simple inner-outer loop single-input single-output (SISO) control structures is examined and quantified. Reference command and control amplitude and bandwidth tradeoffs are addressed. A simple (non-scheduled ) inner-outer loop control law is shown to yield excellent tracking of a constant (q = 2076 psf) dynamic pressure guidance command profile from Mach 5.7 to Mach 12. Robustness, gain scheduling as well as multivariable control issues are also addressed.