Comparison of the performance of a model-reference adaptive system and a classical linear control system under non-ideal conditions

The performance of a non-linear model-reference adaptive control system and of a classical linear control system are compared. The problem of a speed control loop for a DC drive system with a variable moment of inertia load is considered for the comparison exercise. The characteristics of the two control schemes are compared when (a) the plant input saturates, (6) step changes in the load moment of inertia occur, (c) parameter variations exceed the design assumptions and (d) external disturbance signals are applied to the output.