Feedback control for counterflow thrust vectoring

Thrust vector control is used to increase the maneuverability of aircraft. In current aircraft it is implemented using movable control surfaces such as vanes and flaps. Counterflow thrust vectoring (CFTV) is a fluidic approach to thrust vectoring that has the potential to improve on the conventional approaches by reducing weight and increasing the reaction speed. Open loop implementation of CFTV has been demonstrated in laboratory settings. However, ultimately this technology must be implemented using feedback control. This paper describes an experiment for developing feedback control technology for CFTV. It is seen that the key compensation issues are parameter uncertainty, transportation delay, and hysteresis (for certain CFTV geometries). Initial results on system identification are described along with potential control design methodologies.