Failure-tolerant control of aircraft; a fuzzy logic approach

An approach to failure-tolerant control is introduced by using multiple fuzzy controllers in an adaptive control scheme. Each fuzzy controller corresponds to a particular failure type. In contrast to the multiple model adaptive control approach, smooth transitions and a gradual interpolation between the failure control modes is achieved by using fuzzy logic. Moreover, in contrast to gain-scheduling approaches, control modes with different structure can still be defined. The approach is demonstrated on a nonlinear, six degrees of freedom model of a transport aircraft under realistic assumptions about actuator dynamics. The results show that good performance is achieved in case of severe actuator failures