Mission function control for a slew maneuver experiment

Abstract

A control algorithm named mission function control is experimentally demonstrated and verified on a slew maneuver of a flexible space structure model. The mission function control algorithm employs a Lyapunov-type function that consists of generalized energy functions. The model consists of a rigid body having a cantilevered flexible appendage; it is controlled to slew in a horizontal plane by a torque motor. Analytical study indicates that vibrational motion of the flexible appendage can be sensed by strain gauges as a bending moment and shear force at the root of the appendage. Results of the experiment show that a simple implementation of the algorithm leads to excellent controlled behavior of the slew maneuver as well as excellent control robustness.