A Numerical Approach to Controller Design with an Application to a Space Structure Test Facility

An iterative numerical algorithm that improves feasible closed loop design criteria by updating the parameters of a linear controller is developed. The algorithm allows the use of experimentally derived data collected from the open loop plant; thereby, eliminating the need for a accurate parametric model of the open loop system. Experimental results from the application of a controller designed for a large space structure ground test facility using the algorithm are presented.