Robust multivariable turbofan engine control: a case study

The application of robust controller design techniques to aircraft turbofan engine control problems has a long and intensive history. These applications have revealed many of the strengths and weaknesses of the many solution techniques. In this paper, two robust control techniques, μ-synthesis and the quantitative Nyquist array, are applied to the GE16 aircraft turbofan engine control problem for the purpose of designing a full flight envelope controller capable of meeting robust performance specifications. Performance and implementation issues of the two controllers are explored and compared to a control law based upon gain scheduling