Optimization of the Feedback Loop

The concept and practical considerations concerning partial feedback control laws were explained in the preceding chapters. During this discussion the importance of the feedback loop was emphasized. The purpose of this chapter is to present a method to optimize the role of the feedback part in a mixed control law. After a brief introduction to formulate the problem, it is shown that the direct decomposition-coordination approach presented earlier leads, quite naturally, to a near-optimal total feedback control structure. This provides a method for solving control problems under structural constraints. Several examples are given to illustrate the proposed procedure and a large part of this chapter is dedicated to applications.