Multi-input design for aerodynamic parameter estimation

A globally optimum input design technique is presented for linear multi-input multi-output (MIMO) systems for extraction of highly accurate aerodynamic parameters. The design technique encompasses the salient features of Mehra´s design technique in frequency domain using convex analysis with Mulder´s technique for decoupling state and parameter estimation. The input design is performed for power constrained inputs by optimizing a scalar norm of Fisher´s information matrix. The input design is composed of elementary signals whose number is restricted to the minimum possible. It is shown that the input design for MIMO-systems can be reduced to the design for multi-input single output (MISO) systems which is more efficient to solve. The technique is illustrated for designing simultaneously aileron and rudder inputs to estimate lateral aerodynamic derivatives of the DHC-2 Beaver light aircraft