Nonsmooth optimization for nonlinear missile autopilot: Improvement under time domain constraints

In this paper, a new parametric optimization approach to retune nonlinear controllers is proposed. It discusses the design of these controllers under temporal constraints. The formulated optimization problem is often complex; it involves nonsmooth design parameters and criteria. An efficient optimization algorithm based on the approximation of the epsilon subdifferential notion is presented. It only requires gradients which are computed using parametric sensitivity functions. The proposed approach is applied to tune a nonlinear missile autopilot. The purpose especially concerns how to appropriately apply our procedure in order to improve performance of a controlled nonlinear dynamic system. We show that the choice of the controller structure and parameters has a great effect on the validation of the temporal specifications. Simulation results are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.