Abstract
This thesis considers a robust gain scheduling control technique known as linear parameter varying control. The linear parameter varying control methodology is particularly suited to dynamical systems whose parameters vary widely during operation, and provides stability and performance guarantees on the closed-loop system not offered by conventional gain scheduling techniques. In this thesis, the linear parameter varying methodology is presented step-by-step from motivation and underlying theory, to model creation, to parameter dependent controller synthesis. An extension of H[]-Riccati based theory is presented and the worst-case performance of two linear parameter varying systems is examined via the Bounded Real Lemma. Two example systems are considered: a second-order spring-mass-damper system with time varying spring and damping coefficients and a re-entry vehicle modeled after the X-38 crew return vehicle. Both problem formulations are developed from linear parameter varying model creation to both frozen parameter and dynamic parameter variation simulations. Results from the two design examples demonstrate the outstanding performance possible with linear parameter varying control, yet highlight the difficulties associated with the technique and methodology.
Hopper, Dallas Ryan (2002). Theory and application of linear parameter varing control for X-38 type re-entry vehicles. Master's thesis, Texas A&M University. Available electronically from
https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /ETD -TAMU -2002 -THESIS -H672.