Multivariable controller design for a high performance aero-engine

This paper explores the application of recent techniques to the problem of structure selection and robust multivariable controller design for a high performance gas turbine engine. The engine under consideration is a Rolls Royce: 2-spool reheated turbofan, used to power modern military aircraft. Efficient and effective tools for control structure design are described and applied to the problem at hand. It is stressed that a good structure selection is very important, it results in simpler controllers, and in general, a simpler design exercise. A 2-DOF H_infinity controller design is presented. Work is currently in progress on gain scheduling of such controllers.