Adaptive active microgravity isolation using lpv gain-scheduling methods

This paper considers the design of adaptive microgravity vibration isolation systems using lincar parametervarying (LPV) control techniques. The proposcd LPV controller is scheduled based on the relative position of the vibrating system, as well as a parametcr that characterizes the harshness of the operating environment, Hence, the controller shifts its focus from a 'soft' setting to a 'stiff' setting depending on the need for acceleration minimization or displacement reduction. Parametcrdependent weighting functions are used to achieve this objective. A simplified model of a microgravity isolation platform uscd to isolate science payloads aboard the International Space Station is employed for validation. Nonlinear simulations show that the adaptivc controller provides good isolation and position control ovcr the whole range of operating conditions.