Deterministic Learning From Adaptive Neural Network Control for a 2-DOF Helicopter System With Unknown Backlash and Model Uncertainty

Abstract

In this study, we develop a deterministic learning control approach using adaptive neural network (NN) for a two-degrees-of-freedom helicopter nonlinear system subject to unknown backlash and model uncertainty. First, by combining the backstepping and direct Lyapunov approaches, a novel adaptive NN control scheme with an inverse compensation method is proposed to address the input backlash nonlinearity, track specified trajectories, and stabilize the closed-loop system. Simultaneously, uncertain system dynamics are accurately identified and stored as learned knowledge in constant radial basis function NN weights, while satisfying partial persistent excitation. Subsequently, by extracting the learned knowledge, a learning-based controller is constructed to operate the same control tasks to achieve a superior control performance, less backlash nonlinearity, and minimal computational burden. Finally, the validity and efficacy of the proposed scheme are demonstrated through numerical examples and experiments.