Multivariable Regulator Design for Robustness and Performance a Realistic Example

The problem is lateral control of a supersonic missile, with curved cruciform fins, at high angle of attack. A 4th-order roll/yaw dynamic model with uncertain aerodynamic parameters is used, and all states are measured. Sensor and actuator dynamics are included in the evaluation model. Stability margins and response requirements are specified for the nominal system. Two multivariable design techniques are applied. One involves a linear-quadratic method of pole placement; the other involves linear-quadratic optimization of a low-order controller. Both designs are evaluated for stability robustness by a structured singular value analysis method.