Robust Adaptive Output Feedback Control Design for a Multi-Input Multi-Output Aeroelastic System

In this paper, robust adaptive control design problem is addressed for a class of parametrically uncertain aeroelastic systems. A full-state robust adaptive controller was designed to suppress aeroelastic vibrations of a nonlinear wing section. The design used leading and trailing edge control actuations. The full state feedback (FSFB) control yielded a global uniformly ultimately bounded result for two-axis vibration suppression. The pitching and plunging displacements were measurable; however, the pitching and plunging rates were not measurable. Thus, a high gain observer was used to modify the FSFB control design to become an output feedback (OFB) design while the stability analysis for the OFB control law was presented. Simulation results demonstrate the efficacy of the multi-input multi-output control toward suppressing aeroelastic vibrations and limit cycle oscillations occurring in pre- and post-flutter velocity regimes.