Approximation in Optimal Control and Identification of Large Space Structures.

Abstract

Abstract : This project dealt with the application of distributed system theory to control and identification of large flexible space structures. The main analytical tools were control theory for infinite dimensional systems and approximation theory for distributed systems. Both theoretical results and practical numerical approximation schemes were developed. The research dealt with both continuous-time and discrete-time control and identification. In each case, an ideal infinite dimensional compensator was used to guide the design of implementable finite dimensional compensators. Most of the research dealt with optimal linear-quadratic control theory, but significant preliminary results were obtained on infinite dimensional autoregressive-moving-average models of distributed systems. These models will be used in adaptive control and identification of flexible space structures. Subject terms: Control of space structures; distributed system theory; infinite dimensional control theory; approximation theory.