SIMPLE ADAPTIVE-CONTROL OF LARGE FLEXIBLE SPACE STRUCTURES

Simple adaptive control procedures which do not require explicit parameter identification were recently shown to be fit for control of large systems such as flexible structures. It is of interest, however, to test their robustness when fast adaptation is needed, or when the resulting adaptive control system must confront finite sensor and actuator dynamics, or parasitic disturbances. Flexible structures case studies are used to present a robust adaptive control solution to these problems, by using parallel feedforward and simplified adaptive controllers. The detailed proof of robust stability of the adaptive control system is also presented. Simulations illustrate the simplicity of implementation and the power of the proposed algorithm in difficult realistic situations.