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Handling Qualities of Model Reference Adaptive Controllers with Varying Complexity for Pitch-Roll Coupled FailuresThree model reference adaptive controllers (MRAC) with varying levels of complexity were evaluated on a high performance jet aircraft and compared along with a baseline nonlinear dynamic inversion controller. The handling qualities and performance of the controllers were examined during failure conditions that induce coupling between the pitch and roll axes. Results from flight tests showed with a roll to pitch input coupling failure, the handling qualities went from Level 2 with the baseline controller to Level 1 with the most complex MRAC tested. A failure scenario with the left stabilator frozen also showed improvement with the MRAC. Improvement in performance and handling qualities was generally seen as complexity was incrementally added; however, added complexity usually corresponds to increased verification and validation effort required for certification. The tradeoff between complexity and performance is thus important to a controls system designer when implementing an adaptive controller on an aircraft. This paper investigates this relation through flight testing of several controllers of vary complexity.
Document ID
20110015953
Acquisition Source
Armstrong Flight Research Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Schaefer, Jacob (NASA Dryden Flight Research Center Edwards, CA, United States)
Hanson, Curt (NASA Dryden Flight Research Center Edwards, CA, United States)
Johnson, Marcus A. (NASA Dryden Flight Research Center Edwards, CA, United States)
Nguyen, Nhan (NASA Dryden Flight Research Center Edwards, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 25, 2013
Publication Date
August 8, 2011
Subject Category
Aircraft Stability And Control
Report/Patent Number
DFRC-E-DAA-TN3989
DFRC-E-DAA-TN3618
Meeting Information
Meeting: AIAA Guidance, Navigation, and Control Conference
Location: Portland, OR
Country: United States
Start Date: August 8, 2011
End Date: August 11, 2011
Sponsors: American Inst. of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NND08RR01B
WBS: WBS 284848.02.06.02.04
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.

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