A Discrete Tracking Control Law for Nonlinear Plants

Abstract A method using simultaneous linearization and discretization of a continuous, nonlinear differential equation allows the development of a discrete tracking control law based on the quadratic criterion. The control law is made up of two parts. One produces a nominal trajectory and the other controls the plant t o follow the nominal trajectory. Simulation results from an aircraft stall recovery problem show that the controller can provide a larger range of stall recovery, as compared to the nonlinear controller in Garrard (1977).