Linear-Bilinear Approximation and Feedback Linearization of a Hydrostatic Gear

Bilinear control has been applied for a long time to the control of plants that may be approximated by bilinear models. Many other nonlinear processes can be approximated by a combination of linear and bilinear blocks. This paper studies the design of a linearizing control law for those systems in the case of a hydrostatic gear. The approach is shown experimentally to deliver much better results than a purely linear or bilinear control for the class of plants considered.