Modelling and control of a flexible space structure

Modeling and control of a simplified SCOLE (spacecraft control laboratory experiment) model is considered. A continuum model, rather than a finite element model, is used. The model consists of a long flexible mast which joins two rigid bodies. The dynamics of the system is given by a coupled set of ordinary and partial differential equations and formulated as a wave equation in Hilbert space by using a semigroup approach. Sufficient conditions that guarantee strong stabilizability of the perturbed system, given that the unperturbed system has a similar property, are presented. The results are obtained for general wave equations in Hilbert spaces. It is shown that when the system in subjected to a certain class of perturbations, it remains stabilizable by the same boundary feedback control as is the nominal system