An adaptive scheme for compensation of loss of effectiveness of flight control effectors

In this paper we present two stable adaptive tracking control algorithms for compensation of loss of effectiveness of control effectors in flight control applications. The overall approach is based on suitable failure parameterization, control law and adaptive algorithm design, and Lyapunov analysis of the properties of the overall system. The proposed adaptive algorithms are based on parameter-adaptive and variable-structure control approaches. It is shown that, in both cases, the overall system is stable and the tracking error converges to zero asymptotically. The properties of the proposed algorithms are illustrated through simulations of the F/A-18C/D aircraft in the presence of multiple control effector failures. The proposed algorithms appear to be promising tools for effective on-line compensation of multiple flight critical failures.