Output feedback control of practical launch vehicle systems

The present work attempts to utilize the fast output sampling control law for a completely new application: the autopilot controller design for practical launch vehicle systems. Linearized models representing different launch stages (with inclusion of vehicle flexibility, fuel sloshing effects, nozzle dynamics and actuator dynamics) have been used. The design problem is transformed into an equivalent linear matrix inequality (LMI) form to realize a state feedback approximately by fast output sampling, in a way that closeness to the original design can be traded against reducing the deteriorating effects. Output stabilization is achieved with satisfactory results.