Adaptive neuro-control for large flexible structures

Special problems related to control system design for large flexible structures include the inherent low damping, wide range of modal frequencies, unmodeled dynamics, and possibility of system failures. Neuro-control, which combines concepts from artificial neural networks and adaptive control is investigated as a solution to some of these problems. Specifically, the roles of neutro-controllers in learning unmodeled dynamics and adaptive control for system failures are investigated. The neuro-controller synthesis procedure and its capabilities in adaptively controlling the structure are demonstrated using a mathematical model of an existing structure, the advanced control evaluation for systems test article located at NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center. Also, the real-time adaptive capability of neuro-controllers is demonstrated via an experiment utilizing a flexible clamped-free beam equipped with an actuator that uses a bang-bang controller.