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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 19 records

Output control using feedforward and cascade controllers

An open-loop solution to the output control problem in SISO (single-input, single-output) systems by means of feedforward and cascade controllers is investigated. A simple characterization of feedforward controllers, which achieve steady-state disturbance rejection, is given in a transfer-function setting. Cascade controllers which cause steady-state command tracking are characterized. Disturbance decoupling and command matching controllers are identified. Conditions for existence of feedforward and cascade controllers are given. For unstable systems, it is shown that a stabilizing feedback controller can be used without affecting the feedforward and cascade controllers used for output control; hence, the three controllers can be designed independently. Output control by a combination of feedforward and feedback is discussed.

Seraji, H.↗

Output Control Using Feedforward And Cascade Controllers

Report presents theoretical study of open-loop control elements in single-input, single-output linear system. Focus on output-control (servomechanism) problem, in which objective is to find control scheme that causes output to track certain command inputs and to reject certain disturbance inputs in steady state. Report closes with brief discussion of characteristics and relative merits of feedforward, cascade, and feedback controllers and combinations thereof.

Seraji, Homayoun↗

Design of feedforward-cascade controllers for multivariable systems

The problems of disturbance decoupling and command matching in linear multivariable systems by means of feedforward and cascade controllers are formulated and solved in a transfer-function setting. It is shown that a necessary and sufficient condition for existence of the required controllers is that the plant zero polynomial is not identically zero and is stable. The required controllers are realized by parallel combination of a proportional-multiple-derivative term and a dynamic term, where the order of the dynamic term does not exceed the number of plant transmission zeros. The control scheme proposed in the paper is composed of a stabilizing feedback controller to enhance system stability, a feedforward controller to achieve disturbance decoupling and a cascade controller to ensure command matching. The three controllers have no effect on each other and can therefore be designed independently. A numerical example is given for illustration.

Seraji, H.↗

Experimental investigation of inlet flow-control cascades for the NFAC 80- by 120-foot Indraft Wind Tunnel

The present investigation of aerodynamic performance for various inlet cascade configurations of an indraft wind tunnel with a short inlet and a low contraction ratio has given attention to the effects of inlet wall shape, antiturbulence screens, and horizontal flow straighteners on test-section flow quality. It is found that an inlet cascade with a tailored vane-splay distribution, antiturbulence screen, and horizontal splitters, will both yield good test section flow quality and furnish isolation from atmospheric winds and turbulence.

Van Aken, Johannes M.↗

Optimal digital redesign of cascaded analogue controllers

This paper presents a new, optimal digital redesign technique for finding an optimal cascaded digital controller from the given continuous-time counterpart by minimizing a quadratic performance index. The control gains can be obtained by solving a set of Liapunov equations. The developed optimal cascaded digital controller enables the state and/or outputs of the digitally controlled closed-loop sampled-data system to optimally match those of the original continuous-time closed-loop system at any instant between sampling periods. The developed control law can be implemented using inexpensive and reliable digital electronics with a relatively long sampling period.

Shieh, L. S.↗

Control Effector Unsaturation Modification to the Cascading Generalized Inverse Control Allocation Algorithm

Control allocation has sufficiently progressed such that it is used in front-line fighter aircraft such as the F-18Superhornet and the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. Published literature shows the F-35 utilizes Nonlinear Dynamic Inversion in conjunction with an Effector Blender that incorporates the Cascading Generalized Inverse control allocation algorithm. While the Cascading Generalized Inverse algorithm is one of the premier generalized inverse methods, it does suffer from three deficiencies. In particular, it suffers from an inability to achieve some desired outcomes, it intermittently provides non-optimal solutions and generally fails to preserve moment direction near maximal achievable moments. An effector unsaturation method based on a Scalar Difference Quadratic was first introduced and implemented on the iterative Prediction Method control allocation algorithm which was shown to consistently achieve optimal (weighted) control allocation solutions throughout the entire Attainable Moment Set while preserving desired moment direction. In this paper, the shortcomings of the Cascading Generalized Inverse algorithm are addressed by augmenting the baseline algorithm with Scalar Difference Quadratic unsaturation identification and location at each iteration. Numerical case studies demonstrate that the Modified Cascading Generalized Inverse algorithm resolves the aforementioned deficiencies.

Michael J Acheson↗

A cascaded error control coding scheme for space and satellite communication

An error control coding scheme for space and satellite communications is presented. The scheme is attained by cascading two codes, the inner and outer codes. Error performance of the scheme is analyzed. It is shown that, if the inner and outer codes are chosen properly, extremely high reliability can be achieved even for a high channel bit-error-rate. Several exmple schemes are studied. One of the example schemes is proposed to NASA for satellite or spacecraft downlink error control.

Lin, Shu↗

A cascaded coding scheme for error control

A cascaded coding scheme for error control was investigated. The scheme employs a combination of hard and soft decisions in decoding. Error performance is analyzed. If the inner and outer codes are chosen properly, extremely high reliability can be attained even for a high channel bit-error-rate. Some example schemes are studied which seem to be quite suitable for satellite down-link error control.

Kasami, T.↗

A cascaded coding scheme for error control

A cascade coding scheme for error control is investigated. The scheme employs a combination of hard and soft decisions in decoding. Error performance is analyzed. If the inner and outer codes are chosen properly, extremely high reliability can be attained even for a high channel bit-error-rate. Some example schemes are evaluated. They seem to be quite suitable for satellite down-link error control.

Shu, L.↗

Leveraging Disturbance Observer Based Torque Control for Improved Impedance Rendering with Series Elastic Actuators

The fidelity with which series elastic actuators (SEAs) render desired impedances is important. Numerous approaches to SEA impedance control have been developed under the premise that high-precision actuator torque control is a prerequisite. Indeed, the design of an inner torque compensator has a significant impact on actuator impedance rendering. The disturbance observer (DOB) based torque control implemented in NASA's Valkyrie robot is considered here and a mathematical model of this torque control, cascaded with an outer impedance compensator, is constructed. While previous work has examined the impact a disturbance observer has on torque control performance, little has been done regarding DOBs and impedance rendering accuracy. Both simulation and a series of experiments are used to demonstrate the significant improvements possible in an SEA's ability to render desired dynamic behaviors when utilizing a DOB. Actuator transparency at low impedances is improved, closed loop hysteresis is reduced, and the actuator's dynamic response to both commands and interaction torques more faithfully matches that of the desired model. All of this is achieved by leveraging DOB based control rather than increasing compensator gains, thus making improved SEA impedance control easier to achieve in practice.

Mehling, Joshua S.↗

Modified Cascading Generalized Inverse Control Allocation

The current aviation revolution towards electric propulsion aircraft (e.g., electric vertical takeoff-and-landing) brings unique control challenges. These vehicles are typically over-actuated (more effectors than desired control outcomes), may require control strategies for the three phases of flight (hover, transition and cruise), and currently have limited electric power availability. These vehicle challenges bring the need for optimal control allocation to the forefront of research. A leading control allocation algorithm, used in current flight vehicles, is the Cascading Generalized Inverse (CGI). Unfortunately, the Cascading Generalized Inverse algorithm is unable to achieve some desired outcomes, it intermittently provides non-optimal allocations, and it may fail to preserve moment direction near maximal achievable outcomes. In this research, the shortcomings of the Cascading Generalized Inverse algorithm are addressed by augmenting the algorithm with Scalar Difference Quadratic unsaturation identification and location at each iteration. Rigorous theory is shown that the Modified Cascading Generalized Inverse performs better at obtaining optimal allocations for all attainable outcomes. Numerical case studies for over-actuated vehicles demonstrate resolution to the aforementioned deficiencies.

Control Allocation↗

Modified Cascading Generalized Inverse Control Allocation

The current aviation revolution towards electric propulsion aircraft (e.g., electric vertical takeoff-and-landing) brings unique control challenges. These vehicles are typically over-actuated (more effectors than desired control outcomes), may require control strategies for the three phases of flight (hover, transition and cruise), and currently have limited electric power availability. These vehicle challenges bring the need for optimal control allocation to the forefront of research. A leading control allocation algorithm, used in current flight vehicles, is the Cascading Generalized Inverse (CGI). Unfortunately, the Cascading Generalized Inverse algorithm is unable to achieve some desired outcomes, it intermittently provides non-optimal allocations, and it may fail to preserve moment direction near maximal achievable outcomes. In this research, the shortcomings of the Cascading Generalized Inverse algorithm are addressed by augmenting the algorithm with Scalar Difference Quadratic unsaturation identification and location at each iteration. Rigorous theory is shown that the Modified Cascading Generalized Inverse performs better at obtaining optimal allocations for all attainable outcomes. Numerical case studies for over-actuated vehicles demonstrate resolution to the aforementioned deficiencies.

Control Allocation↗

A new approach to the digital redesign of continuous-time controllers

This paper presents a new method for digital redesign of both a continuous-time state-feedback control law and a cascaded analog controller. The concept of the Law of Mean from the integral calculus is utilized for the development of the equivalent digital controllers from the available analog controllers. A tuning parameter has been introduced into the digitally redesigned control gains so that the digitally controlled states will closely match the original continuous-time states. The proposed digital controllers give excellent performance.

Shieh, Leang-San↗

Comparison of calculated and experimental cascade performance for controlled-diffusion compressor stator blading

The mid-span section of a previously reported controlled-diffusion compressor stator has been experimentally evaluated in cascade. Measurements are taken over a range of incidence angles for blade chord Reynolds numbers from 470,000 to 690,000. Blade chord length is 12.7 cm, aspect ratio is 2.0, and solidity is 1.67. Measurements include conventional cascade performance parameters as well as blade surface pressures. Computations are made for the inviscid flow field, surface boundary layers, and loss for several of the blade inlet angle conditions, are compared against corresponding data.

Sanger, N. L.↗

Comparison of calculated and experimental cascade performance for controlled-diffusion compressor stator blading

The mid-span section of a previously reported controlled-diffusion compressor stator has been experimentally evaluated in cascade. Measurements are taken over a range of incidence angles for blade chord Reynolds numbers from 470,000 to 690,000. Blade chord length is 12.7 cm, aspect ratio is 2.0, and solidity is 1.67. Measurements include conventional cascade performance parameters as well as blade surface pressures. Computations are made for the inviscid flow field, surface boundary layers, and loss for several of the blade inlet angle conditions, are compared against corresponding data.

Sanger, N. L.↗

A cascaded coding scheme for error control and its performance analysis

A coding scheme is investigated for error control in data communication systems. The scheme is obtained by cascading two error correcting codes, called the inner and outer codes. The error performance of the scheme is analyzed for a binary symmetric channel with bit error rate epsilon <1/2. It is shown that if the inner and outer codes are chosen properly, extremely high reliability can be attained even for a high channel bit error rate. Various specific example schemes with inner codes ranging form high rates to very low rates and Reed-Solomon codes as inner codes are considered, and their error probabilities are evaluated. They all provide extremely high reliability even for very high bit error rates. Several example schemes are being considered by NASA for satellite and spacecraft down link error control.

Lin, Shu↗

Redesign and cascade tests of a supercritical controlled diffusion stator blade-section

A supercritical stator blade section, previously tested in cascade, and characterized by a flat-roof-top suction surface Mach number distribution, has been redesigned and retested. At near design conditions, the losses and air turning were improved over the original blade by 50 percent and 7 percent respectively. The key element in the improved performance was a small blade reshaping. This produced a continuous flow acceleration over the first one-third chord of the suction surface which successfully prevented a premature laminar separation bubble. Several recently available inviscid analysis and one fully viscous (Navier-Stokes) analysis code were used in the redesign process. The validity of these codes was enhanced by the test results.

Schmidt, J. F.↗

Redesign and cascade tests of a supercritical controlled diffusion stator blade-section

A supercritical stator blade section, previously tested in cascade, and characterized by a flat-roof-top suction surface Mach number distribution, has been redesigned and retested. At near design conditions, the losses and air turning were improved over the original blade by 50 percent and 7 percent, respectively. The key element in the improved performance was a small blade reshaping. This produced a continuous flow acceleration over the first one-third chord of the suction surface which successfully prevented a premature laminar separation bubble. Several recently available inviscid analysis codes and one fully viscous (Navier-Stokes) analysis code were used in the redesign process. The validity of these codes was enhanced by the test results. Previously announced in STAR as N84-22533

Schmidt, J. F.↗