| Trajectory Control and Optimization for Responsive Spacecraft |
22 Mar 2012 |
136 pages |
| Authors:
Costantinos Zagaris; AIR FORCE INST OF TECH WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB OH GRADUATE SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND MANAGEMENT
|
 | The concept of responsive space has been gaining interest, and growing to include systems that can be re-tasked to complete multiple missions within their lifetime. The purpose of this study is to develop an algorithm that produces a maneuver trajectory that will cause a spacecraft to arrive at a particular location within its orbit earlier than expected. The time difference, delta t, is used as a metric to quantify the ... |
|
| Hybrid Solution of Stochastic Optimal Control Problems Using Gauss Pseudospectral Method and Generalized Polynomial Chaos Algorithms |
Mar 2012 |
189 pages |
| Authors:
Gerald C Cottrill; AIR FORCE INST OF TECH WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB OH GRADUATE SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND MANAGEMENT
|
| Two numerical methods, Gauss Pseudospectral Method and Generalized Polynomial Chaos Algorithm, were combined to form a hybrid algorithm for solving nonlinear optimal control and optimal path planning problems with uncertain parameters. The algorithm was applied to two concept demonstration problems: a nonlinear optimal control problem with multiplicative uncertain elements and a mission planning problem sponsored by USSTRATCOM. The mission planning scenario was constructed to find the path that minimizes the ... |
|
| Control of Spatially Inhomogeneous Shear Flows |
Oct 2011 |
13 pages |
| Authors:
Dan S Henningson; Reza Dadfar; Onofrio Semeraro; Shervin Bagheri; Luca Brandt; ROYAL INST OF TECH STOCKHOLM (SWEDEN) DEPT OF MECHANICS
|
| It was demonstrated the possibility to delay the transition process using a feedback controller based on localized sensors/actuators. Three-dimensional TS wave packets and streaks with finite amplitudes are considered; reduced-order models based on balanced truncation are built and used for the control design. The controller mitigates the disturbances amplitude when the flow is still laminar but nonlinear, resulting in a significant reduction of the perturbation energy and, later, in a ... |
|
| Optimal Parameters for Maneuverability of Affordable Precision Munitions |
Aug 2011 |
|
| Authors:
Frank Fresconi; Ilmars Celmins; Luisa Fairfax; ARMY RESEARCH LAB ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND MD WEAPONS AND MATERIALS RESEARCH DIRECTORATE
|
 | High maneuverability of guided projectiles enables engagement of fleeing targets, opens the area of influence of a weapons system, and allows new missions to be performed such as prosecuting targets in defilade. Gun-launched precision munitions have unique constraints that create technical barriers to achieving enhanced maneuverability. Structural integrity during the gun launch event, packaging control surfaces within the launch tube, and affordability are paramount concerns. This work is a fundamental ... |
|
| Capability and Interface Assessment of Gaming Technologies for Future Multi-Unmanned Air Vehicle Systems |
Aug 2011 |
34 pages |
| Authors:
Marc Gacy; ALION SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY-MA&D BOULDER CO
|
| This report evaluates several gaming technologies and details their applicability to future control concepts for multiple unmanned air vehicle systems (UAS). Current gaming technologies evaluated include Real-Time Strategy (RTS) games, which require the simultaneous control of multiple entities; Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games (MMORPG), which necessitate the management of multiple independent entities with sophisticated capabilities; and finally, arcade-style games, which demand the use of mitigation strategies to contend with ... |
|
| The Use of Comprehensive Molecular Profiling with Network and Control Theory to Better Understand GWI and Model Therapeutic Strategies |
Jul 2011 |
104 pages |
| Authors:
Nancy G Klimas; Mary A Fletcher; SOUTH FLORIDA VETERANS AFFAIRS FOUNDATION FOR RESEARCH AND EDUCATION INC MIAMI FL
|
| The objective of this study is to improve our understanding of GWI pathogenesis in two ways through integration across several of the body s regulatory systems of data and knowledge collected from disparate sources, and by mapping of the coordinated interactions between these physiologic systems and the potential for altered wiring of these signaling networks in GWI. Using comprehensive molecular profiling, network and control theory the overarching objective of this ... |
|
| Optical Arbitrary Waveform Generators Based on Temporal and Spectral Shaping of Optical Pulses in Nonlinear Metamaterials |
JUN 2011 |
12 pages |
| Authors:
Costantino De Angelis; UNIVERSITA DI BRESCIA (ITALY) DIPARTIMENTO DI ELETTRONICA
|
| The final goal of the research project is the theoretical design of new optical devices on a Lithium Niobate and Tantalate platform; in particular we will focus on low-cost integrated optical pulse shapers on periodically poled Lithium Niobate and Tantalate waveguides. Our approach will be mainly used to design pulse shapers, but it also might open new design perspectives for other optical devices. In fact the continuous progress in the ... |
|
| String Stability of Multiple Surface Marine Vessels |
JUN 2011 |
79 pages |
| Authors:
Christos K. Angelopoulos; NAVAL POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL MONTEREY CA
|
| The phenomenon of string instability is well known in a platoon of cars moving forward in an Automated Highway System (AHS). It is also known that ships can experience a similar instability phenomenon from mis-coordination of guidance and control laws. The proposed research studies the latter phenomenon, generalized in the case of multiple marine surface vessels moving in a platoon. The question of how it is possible for ships traveling ... |
|
| An Approach to Optimal Control of Electrodynamic Tethers in a Stochastically Varying Drag Environment |
06 May 2011 |
40 pages |
| Authors:
Alexander J Buck; NAVAL ACADEMY ANNAPOLIS MD
|
| Electrodynamic Tethers (EDT s) offer a real option for zero-propellant orbital maneuvers in the near future. By controlling the electrical current through a long conductive cable aligned with the local vertical and in the presence of a magnetic field, the tether experiences an electrodynamic thrust. The local ionosphere provides the necessary electrons for the generation of an electrical current. Previous investigation has been focused on feed-forward or open-loop control schemes. ... |
|
| The Positive Impact of Negative Feedback |
MAR 2011 |
56 pages |
| Authors:
Mark B. Richey; AIR FORCE INST OF TECH WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB OH SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND MANAGEMENT
|
| While feedback is an essential element of performance, there is little theory explaining the effects of negative feedback. Disagreement exists as to whether negative feedback is good or bad and this impacts its use. Fortunately, control theory provides scholars with an opportunity to better understand negative feedback and the conditions necessary to support its intended function. This study examined the relationship between negative feedback and task performance in a leadership ... |
|
| An Introduction to the IP/PCT Model Implementation in IPME |
MAR 2011 |
69 pages |
| Authors:
Keith Hardy; DEFENCE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT TORONTO (CANADA)
|
| This document provides a description of the Information Processing (IP)/Perceptual Control Theory (PCT) model implemented in the Integrated Performance Modelling Environment software by Micro Analysis and Design (IPME). The current document is an edited and reduced version of an earlier report. In the current document, an attempt has been made to improve readability through a reorganisation of the material and the elimination of content that is not central to understanding ... |
|
| Dynamical Systems and Control Theory Inspired by Molecular Biology |
20 Feb 2011 |
9 pages |
| Authors:
Eduardo Sontag; RUTGERS - THE STATE UNIV NEW BRUNSWICK NJ DEPT OF MATHEMATICS
|
| This project aims to develop new concepts, theory, and algorithms for control and signal processing using ideas inspired by molecular systems biology. Cell biology provides a wide repertoire of systems that are strongly fault-tolerant, nonlinear, feedback-rich, and truly hybrid, while making effective use of highly heterogeneous sensing and actuation channels. Advances in genomic/proteomics and molecular systems biology research are continually adding detailed knowledge of such systems' architecture and operation, thus ... |
|
| Semi-Autonomous Stability Control and Hazard Avoidance for Manned and Unmanned Ground Vehicles |
NOV 2010 |
9 pages |
| Authors:
S. J. Anderson; S. C. Peters; K. Iagnemma; J. Overholt; MASSACHUSETTS INST OF TECH CAMBRIDGE DEPT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
|
| This paper presents a method for trajectory planning, threat assessment, and semi-autonomous control of manned and unmanned ground vehicles. A model predictive controller iteratively replans a stability-optimal trajectory through the safe region of the environment while a threat assessor and semiautonomous control law modulate driver and controller inputs to maintain stability, preserve controllability, and ensure that the vehicle avoids obstacles and hazardous areas. The efficacy of this approach in avoiding ... |
|
| Semi-smooth Newton Methods for Time-Optimal Control for a Class of ODEs |
12 Feb 2010 |
26 pages |
| Authors:
Kazufumi Ito; Karl Kunisch; NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIV AT RALEIGH CENTER FOR RESEARCH IN SCIENTIFIC COMPUTATION
|
| Time optimal control problems for a class of linear multi-input systems are considered. The problems are regularized and the asymptotic and monotone behavior of the regularisation procedure is investigated. For the regularised problems the applicability of semi-smooth Newton methods is verified. First numerical tests are presented which show that the proposed approach, differentialy from other methods, does not rely a-priory information of the switching structure. |
|
| Dynamics and Control of a Biomimetic Vehicle Using Biased Wingbeat Forcing Functions: Part 2 - Controller (Postprint) |
Jan 2010 |
38 pages |
| Authors:
David B Doman; Michael W Oppenheimer; David O Sigthorsson; AIR FORCE RESEARCH LAB WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB OH AIR VEHICLES DIRECTORATE
|
| A control strategy is proposed for a minimally-actuated flapping-wing micro air-vehicle (FWMAV). The proposed vehicle is similar to the Harvard RoboFly that accomplished the first takeoff of an insect scale flapping wing aircraft, except that it is equipped with independently actuated wings. Using the derivation of the aerodynamic forces and moments from Part I, a control allocation strategy and a feedback control law are designed that enable the vehicle to ... |
|
| Distributed Control of Turbofan Engines |
Aug-2009 |
57 pages |
| Authors:
Alireza Behbahani; Mehrdad Pakmehr; Eric Feron; Marion Mounier; Nathan Fitzgerald; George Kiwada; James D Paduano; GEORGIA INST OF TECH ATLANTA
|
| The purpose of this paper is to develop control theoretic concepts for distributed control of gas turbine engines, and develop a dynamic engine model incorporating distributed components in compressor dynamics, engine cycles, and engine control. The latest results in distributed control combined with adaptive control theory are extended for turbofan engine distributed control. Concepts and architectures for distributed control are developed that create tangible benefits from the distribution of closed-loop ... |
|
| Dynamics and Control of a Minimally Actuated Biomimetic Vehicle: Part 1 - Aerodynamic Model (Postprint) |
Aug 2009 |
27 pages |
| Authors:
David B Doman; Michael W Oppenheimer; David O Sigthorsson; AIR FORCE RESEARCH LAB WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB OH AIR VEHICLES DIRECTORATE
|
| An aerodynamic model for the forces and moments acting on a minimally actuated flapping wing micro air vehicle (FWMAV) are derived from blade element theory. The proposed vehicle is similar to the Harvard RoboFly that accomplished the first takeoff of an insect scale flapping wing aircraft, except that it is equipped with independently actuated wings and the vehicle center-of-gravity can be manipulated for control purposes. Using a blade element-based approach, ... |
|
| Dynamics and Control of a Minimally Actuated Biomimetic Vehicle: Part 2 - Control (Postprint) |
Aug 2009 |
25 pages |
| Authors:
David B Doman; Michael W Oppenheimer; David O Sigthorsson; AIR FORCE RESEARCH LAB WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB OH AIR VEHICLES DIRECTORATE
|
| vA control strategy is proposed for a minimally-actuated flapping-wing micro air-vehicle (FWMAV). The proposed vehicle is similar to the Harvard RoboFly that accomplished the first takeoff of an insect scale flapping wing aircraft, except that it is equipped with independently actuated wings and the vehicle center-of-gravity can be manipulated for control purposes. Using the results from the derivation of the aerodynamic forces and moments from Part I, a control allocation ... |
|
| Altitude Control of a Single Degree of Freedom Flapping Wing Micro Air Vehicle (Postprint) |
Aug 2009 |
21 pages |
| Authors:
David B Doman; Michael W Oppenheimer; Michael A Bolender; David O Sigthorsson; AIR FORCE RESEARCH LAB WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB OH AIR VEHICLES DIRECTORATE
|
| A control strategy is proposed for a minimally actuated flapping wing micro air vehicle. The Harvard RoboFly vehicle accomplished the first takeoff of an insect scale flapping wing aircraft. This flight demonstrated the capability of the aircraft to accelerate vertically while being constrained by guide-wires to avoid translation and rotation in the other five degrees of freedom. The present work proposes an altitude control scheme that would enable a similar ... |
|
| Gaining and Maintaining Cyberspace Superiority: A Quest for the Holy Grail |
JUN 2009 |
67 pages |
| Authors:
Merna H. H. Hsu; AIR UNIV MAXWELL AFB AL SCHOOL OF ADVANCED AIR AND SPACE STUDIES
|
| Controlling cyberspace as a military domain is a challenge that demands critically assessing issues, questions, and assumptions, especially those at the foundation of the military's decision making for operations and requirements. This thesis examined whether cyberspace can be held in like manner to existing mediums. A brief survey of classical control theories for the land, maritime, and air domains, with the intent of identifying the basic framework and its key ... |
|
| Finite Set Control Transcription for Optimal Control Applications |
May-2009 |
260 pages |
| Authors:
Stuart A Stanton; TEXAS UNIV AT AUSTIN
|
| An enhanced method in optimization rooted in direct collocation is formulated to treat the finite set optimal control problem. This is motivated by applications in which a hybrid dynamical system is subject to ordinary differential continuity constraints, but control variables are contained within finite spaces. Resulting solutions display control discontinuities as variables switch between one feasible value to another. Solutions derived are characterized as optimal switching schedules between feasible control ... |
|
| Multiobjective Optimal Control Methodology for the Analysis of Certain Sociodynamic Problems |
Mar-2009 |
155 pages |
| Authors:
Gloria L Porter; NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIV AT RALEIGH DEPT OF MATHEMATICS
|
| Social networks involve studying how relations form between individuals in a group based on their shared preferences and attributes. In this work, social force theory is used to model social interaction and long-term network dynamics while multiobjective optimal control theory provides a basis for predicting network structural formation. Using computer simulations, the author numerically analyzes the evolution and long-term behavior of optimal network structures based on the demographics of a ... |
|
| Centralized Cooperative Control for Route Surveillance With Constant Communication |
Mar-2009 |
126 pages |
| Authors:
Joseph D Rosal; AIR FORCE INST OF TECH WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB OH GRADUATE SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND MANAGEMENT
|
| The route surveillance (RS) mission is a new application of unmanned aircraft systems (UASs) to meet the reconnaissance and surveillance needs of combatant commanders. This mission intends to field a four-vehicle UAS that can provide surveillance of convoy routes. This research focuses on developing a solution strategy based on the application of optimal control and cooperative control theory. The RS controller uses the UAS team size to divide the route ... |
|
| Developing a Framework for Control of Agile Aircraft Platforms in Autonomous Hover |
Mar-2009 |
75 pages |
| Authors:
Kyle J Krogh; WASHINGTON UNIV SEATTLE DEPT OF AERONAUTICS AND ASTRONAUTICS
|
| This thesis extends previous work on autonomous agile aircraft to develop a framework for control in both linear and non-linear flight profiles. Two dynamical systems are considered, a scale YAK-54 aerobatic remote control aircraft and the Flexrotor concept developed by Aerovel. Both models are capable of hover and level flight, requiring complex control transitions between the flight regimes. Linear controllers are developed for both models in a hover configuration. Open-loop ... |
|
| Decentralized Cooperative Manipulation with a Swarm of Mobile Robots |
2009 |
7 pages |
| Authors:
Joel M. Esposito; NAVAL ACADEMY ANNAPOLIS MD DEPT OF WEAPONS AND SYSTEMS ENGINEERING
|
| In this paper we consider cooperative manipulation problems where a large group (swarm) of non-articulated mobile robots is trying to cooperatively control the velocity of some larger rigid body by exerting forces around its perimeter. We consider a second-order dynamic model for the object but use a simplified contact model. We seek solutions that require minimal information sharing among the swarm members. We present a velocity control law that is ... |
|
| Adaptive Filter Techniques for Optical Beam Jitter Control and Target Tracking |
Dec-2008 |
117 pages |
| Authors:
Michael J Beerer; NAVAL POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL MONTEREY CA
|
| The objective of this research is to develop advanced control methods to attenuate laser beam jitter using a fast-steering mirror. Adaptive filter controllers using Filtered-X Least Mean Square (FX-LMS) and Filtered-X Recursive Least Square (FX-RLS) algorithms are explored. The disturbances that cause beam jitter include mechanical vibrations on the optical platform (narrowband) and atmospheric turbulence (broadband). Both feedforward filters (with the use of auxiliary reference sensor(s)) and feedback filters (with ... |
|
| U.S. Nuclear Cooperation with India: Issues for Congress |
23-Apr-2008 |
|
| Authors:
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
|
| On July 18, 2005, President Bush announced he would work to achieve full civil nuclear energy cooperation with India and would also seek agreement from Congress to adjust U.S. laws and policies, in the context of a broader, global partnership with India to promote stability, democracy, prosperity and peace. India, which has not signed the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT) and does not have International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards on all ... |
|
| Collision Avoidance for UAVs Using Optic Flow Measurement With Line of Sight Rate Equalization and Looming |
01-Mar-2008 |
135 pages |
| Authors:
Paul J Shelnutt; AIR FORCE INST OF TECH WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB OH DEPT OF ELECTRICAL AND COMPUTER ENGINEERING
|
| A series of simplified scenarios is investigated whereby an optical flow - balancing guidance law is used to avoid obstacles by steering an air vehicle between fixed objects/obstacles. These obstacles are registered as specific points that can be representative of features in a scene. The obstacles appear in the field of view of a single forward looking camera. First a 2-D analysis is presented where the rate of the line ... |
|
| Entire Blow-Up Solutions of Semilinear Elliptic Equations and Systems |
MAR 2008 |
82 pages |
| Authors:
Jesse D. Peterson; AIR FORCE INST OF TECH WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB OH GRADUATE SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND MANAGEMENT
|
| We examine two problems concerning semilinear elliptic equations. We consider single equations of the form Deltau p(x)u(alpha) + q(x)u(Beta) for 0 < alpha is less than or equal to Beta is less than or equal to 1 and systems Deltau = p(|x|)f(v), Deltav = q(|x|)g(u), both in Euclidean n-space, n is greater than or equal to 3. These types of problems arise in steady state diffusion, the electric potential of ... |
|
| Real Time Estimation and Prediction using Optimistic Simulation and Control Theory Techniques |
JAN 2008 |
44 pages |
| Authors:
Jeffrey Steinmen; Craig Lammers; WARPIV TECHNOLOGIES INC SAN DIEGO CA
|
| This paper describes a revolutionary approach to information processing that will increase warfighter productivity by orders of magnitude for problems requiring analysis, planning, optimization, and dynamic situation assessment and prediction in live operational environments. This technology, known as HyperWarpSpeed, breaks the four-dimensional barrier of space and time by extending modeling, simulation, and analysis capabilities into the fifth dimension. |
|
| Motion Camouflage in a Stochastic Setting |
Dec-2007 |
10 pages |
| Authors:
K S Galloway; E W Justh; P S Krishnaprasad; MARYLAND UNIV COLLEGE PARK OFFICE OF RESEARCH ADMINISTRATION AND ADVANCEMENT
|
| Recent work has formulated 2- and 3-dimensional models and steering control laws for motion camouflage, a stealthy pursuit strategy observed in nature. Here we extend the model to encompass the use of a high-gain pursuit law in the presence of sensor noise as well as in the case when the evader's steering is driven by a stochastic process, demonstrating (in the planar setting) that motion camouflage is still accessible (in ... |
|
| Force Protection via UGV-UAV Collaboration: Development of Control Law for Vision Based Target Tracking on SUAV |
DEC 2007 |
107 pages |
| Authors:
Lee S. Liang; NAVAL POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL MONTEREY CA
|
| The Naval Postgraduate School UAV Laboratory developed a Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (SUAV) equipped with a Vision Based Target Tracking (VBTT) system as part of its Tactical Network Topology field experimentation program. The VBTT system includes a miniaturized gimbaled camera that allows autonomous target tracking while providing concurrent estimates of target motion including its position velocity and heading. Using the current control law the speed of convergence and the range-holding ... |
|
| Modeling and Analysis of Resolve and Morale for the `Long War' |
DEC 2007 |
273 pages |
| Authors:
Michael J. Artelli; AIR FORCE INST OF TECH WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB OH GRADUATE SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND MANAGEMENT
|
| In The Art of War, Sun Tzu begins by stating: "War is a matter of vital importance to the State; the province of life or death; the road to survival or ruin. It is mandatory that it be thoroughly studied." Sun Tzu follow's this opening by stating five fundamental factors a commander must master to be successful in combat. The first of these factors is moral influence which Sun Tzu ... |
|
| Closed Loop Quantum Control and Quantum Information Sciences: Concepts and Laboratory Implementations |
30 NOV 2007 |
23 pages |
| Authors:
Herschel Rabitz; Ian Walmsley; Robert Kosut; PRINCETON UNIV NJ
|
| This is the final report on research concerned with combining control concepts and quantum information systems. Particular emphasis is being given to closed loop laboratory techniques for obtaining the maximum performance from quantum information systems. These studies entail minimization of the influence of environmental decoherence effects, maximum robustness to noise in the system controllers, the creation of robust gate operations, and the means to identify quantum information system Hamiltonians and ... |
|
| Model Development and Model-Based Control Design for High Performance Nonlinear Smart Systems |
20 NOV 2007 |
16 pages |
| Authors:
Ralph C. Smith; NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIV AT RALEIGH CENTER FOR RESEARCH IN SCIENTIFIC COMPUTATION
|
| We have developed a unified energy-based framework for quantifying hysteresis and constitutive nonlinearities inherent to piezoelectric, magnetic, and shape memory compounds which is amenable to inversion and subsequent use as an inverse filter for linear control designs. We have also developed stochastic modeling techniques which quantify the highly complex stiffness properties of ionic polymers in a manner which facilitates design in applications ranging from biological/chemical detection to robotic design for ... |
|
| Control Theory Perspective of Effects-Based Thinking and Operations: Modelling "Operations" as a Feedback Control System |
NOV 2007 |
|
| Authors:
Philip S. Farrell; DEFENCE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CANADA OTTAWA (ONTARIO)
|
| This paper explores operations that involve effects-based thinking (EBT) using Control Theory techniques in order to highlight the concept's fundamental characteristics in a simple and straightforward manner. It provides some background to EBT, and presents three formal definitions for effects-based approaches to operations (EBAO). This paper shows that Control Theory is a useful framework for studying effects-based concepts. A specific EBAO concept was modelled using Control Theory techniques. This analysis ... |
|
| Synthesis of Nonlinear Guidance Laws for Missiles with Uncertain Dynamics |
NOV 2007 |
|
| Authors:
C. A. Rabbath; N. Lechevin; DEFENCE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CANADA VALCARTIER (QUEBEC)
|
| This technical memorandum describes a nonlinear guidance law for a single-missile single-target engagement. The guidance relies on the concepts of Lyapunov stability and backstepping, which are constructive methods in nonlinear control theory. The design of the guidance law allows taking into account the nonlinear relative kinematics between the missile and the target, and ensuring ultimate boundedness of the missile-target system trajectories provided the estimation error of the target acceleration is ... |
|
| Bandit: Technologies for Proximity Operations of Teams of Sub-10Kg Spacecraft |
16 OCT 2007 |
13 pages |
| Authors:
Michael A. Swartwout; WASHINGTON UNIV ST LOUIS MO DEPT OF SYSTEMS MECHANICAL AND AEROSPACE ENGINEERING
|
| This work was pursued as a supplement to an existing University Nanosat-4 activity (the Akoya/Bandit mission at Washington University). The objective of this work was to develop control theory for operating the 3-kg free-flying Bandit spacecraft, as expressed by two goals: improve the fidelity and performance of our 3DOF hardware testbed and 6DOF simulator; develop, test and evaluate two methods for autonomous multi-vehicle control (behavior-based and waypoint/autopilot) Control theory was ... |
|
| The 15th Annual Intelligent Ground Vehicle Competition: Intelligent Ground Robots Created by Intelligent Students |
09 SEP 2007 |
16 pages |
| Authors:
Bernard L. Theisen; TACOM RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT AND ENGINEERING CENTER WARREN MI
|
| The Intelligent Ground Vehicle Competition (IGVC) is one of three, unmanned systems, student competitions that were founded by the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) in the 1990s. The IGVC is a multidisciplinary exercise in product realization that challenges college engineering student teams to integrate advanced control theory, machine vision, vehicular electronics, and mobile platform fundamentals to design and build an unmanned system. Teams from around the world focus ... |
|
| An Analysis of Human Resource Officers in Support of MPT&E Enterprise Management: A Succession Management Plan for Human Capital Managers |
SEP 2007 |
89 pages |
| Authors:
Derrick E. Blackston; NAVAL POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL MONTEREY CA
|
| The purpose of this research is to examine the Human Resource community's ability to effectively manage its human capital (active duty officers) and to establish this as the foundation for value creation. In today's market, be it on Wall Street, Main Street or Army Navy Blvd., value creation is dominated by human capital and other intangible assets. Ironically, these most important assets are the least understood, least prone to measurement, ... |
|
| Coupled CFD/GN&C Modeling for a Smart Material Canard Actuator |
SEP 2007 |
30 pages |
| Authors:
Paul Weinacht; ARMY RESEARCH LAB ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND MD
|
| The performance of a smart material canard actuator has been investigated using coupled computational fluid dynamics, guidance navigation and control, and structural models. The predictions show that the open-loop response of the smart material actuator does not produce the commanded deflection due to the interaction of the externally applied aerodynamic hinge moment with the flexible actuator structure. A closed-loop feedback control law with integral control is applied in order for ... |
|
| Controllability of Non-Newtonian Fluids Under Homogeneous Flows |
SEP 2007 |
65 pages |
| Authors:
Lynda M. Wilson; NAVAL POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL MONTEREY CA
|
| The ability to control a viscoelastic field is an essential concept that defines some important restrictions and potentials of the influenced material. This thesis investigates the controllability of three popular constitutive models under homogeneous extensional and shear flows via the Lie bracket method. The constitutive models are as follows: the Phan-Thien-Tanner model; the Johnson-Segalman model; and the Doi model. The effect of extensional flow on these models and the effect ... |
|
| Theoretical Considerations for Battlespace Information Mediation |
JUL 2007 |
44 pages |
| Authors:
Richard C. Kaste; ARMY RESEARCH LAB ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND MD COMPUTATIONAL AND INFORMATION SCIENCES DIR
|
| The purpose of this note is to generate discussions about information fusion modeling for research and hypothesis testing. A modest start on back-of-the-envelope analyses of battlespace digitization and fusion problems is intended to encourage network scientists and analysts of tactical information concerns. We consider several elementary concepts, including amount and value of information, processor level and rate, process rules, and information decay. Given certain theoretical premises about information in a ... |
|
| Modeling and Implementation of PID Control for Autonomous Robots |
JUN 2007 |
73 pages |
| Authors:
Todd A. Williamson; NAVAL POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL MONTEREY CA
|
| PID control is optimized here in order to control the course of a small autonomous robot for military applications. A Visual Basic program was written to model the robot response to the controller and provide a method of optimization. The computer model is based on empirical data gathered through testing. Controller theory, robot mechanics, and hardware implementation are all discussed as they relate to the ability of the robot to ... |
|
| An Overview of MAV Research at Brigham Young University |
MAY 2007 |
21 pages |
| Authors:
Timothy W. McLain; Randal W. Beard; D. B. Barber; Nathan B. Knoebel; BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIV PROVO UT
|
| This paper summarizes research efforts at Brigham Young University related to the control of miniature aerial vehicles (MAVs). Recent results in the areas of vector field path following, precision landing and target prosecution, target localization, obstacle detection and avoidance, tailsitter aircraft control, and cooperative control are presented. |
|
| Optimal Control Strategies for a Ducted RUAV |
MAY 2007 |
11 pages |
| Authors:
Patrick Hendrick; Alexandre Depouhon; Jean-Francois Aernouts; UNIVERSITE LIBRE DE BRUXELLES (BELGIUM)
|
| A comparison has been made between four control strategies for a mini ducted rotary UAV (RUAV). The design and the manufacturing of this ducted RUAV will be explained and presented. The maximum dimension of this UAV is 700 mm and its mass reaches about 10 kg in its final version. The control strategies have been applied to a split control process of the RUAV : a first one for the ... |
|
| Architectures for Secure and Robust Distributed Infrastructures |
02 APR 2007 |
35 pages |
| Authors:
Sanjay Lall; Carolyn Beck; Stephen Boyd; John Doyle; Geir Dullerud; Chris Hadjicostis; Muriel Medard; Balaji Prabhakar; Rayadurgam Srikant; George Verghese; STANFORD UNIV CA DEPT OF AERONAUTICS AND ASTRONAUTICS
|
| The major barrier constraining the successful management and design of large-scale distributed infrastructures is the conspicuous lack of knowledge about their dynamical features and behaviors. Up until very recently analysis of systems such as the Internet, or the national electricity distribution system, have primarily relied on the use of non-dynamical models, which neglect their complex, and frequently subtle, inherent dynamical properties. These traditional approaches have enjoyed considerable success while systems ... |
|
| Spike Neuromorphic VLSI-Based Bat Echolocation for Micro-Aerial Vehicle Guidance |
31 MAR 2007 |
16 pages |
| Authors:
Timothy K. Horiuchi; P. S. Krishnaprasad; MARYLAND UNIV COLLEGE PARK INST FOR SYSTEMS RESEARCH
|
| We summarize the state of the various projects our laboratories have pursued during the course of this support. This includes multiple efforts related to a VLSI-based echolocation system being developed in one of our laboratories from algorithm development, bat flight data analysis, to VLSI circuit design and testing of these algorithms. We have pursued investigations into the spike-based implementation of the interaural-intensity processing regions of the bat brainstem and midbrain ... |
|
| Nonlinear Fault Detection, Isolation and Recovery Techniques for Unmanned Systems |
30 MAR 2007 |
238 pages |
| Authors:
K. Khorasani; CONCORDIA UNIV MONTREAL (QUEBEC) DEPT OF ELECTRICAL AND COMPUTER ENGINEERING
|
| In order to avoid adverse consequences due to failures, it is desirable to have an advanced failure detection and isolation (FDI) system that detects and identifies anomalies early to minimize the damage, and that can remedy as many failures as possible. In complex systems, fault diagnosis is typically accomplished using a hierarchical approach. In our proposed autonomous unmanned vehicle (UAV) system, fault diagnosis, isolation and recovery (FDIR) is accomplished by ... |
|
| Development of an Experimental Platform for Testing Autonomous UAV Guidance and Control Algorithms |
MAR 2007 |
98 pages |
| Authors:
Justin R. Rufa; AIR FORCE INST OF TECH WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB OH GRADUATE SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND MANAGEMENT
|
| With the United States? push towards using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for more military missions, wide area search theory is being researched to determine the viability of multiple vehicle autonomous searches over the battle area. Previous work includes theoretical development of detection and attack probabilities while taking into account known enemy presence within the search environment. Simulations have been able to transform these theories into code to predict the UAV ... |
|
Reports by Keyword(s)
CONTROL THEORY
