Evaluation of Control Techniques for Aircraft Propulsion Systems

This paper discusses the evaluation of modern controls for aircraft propulsion systems. Modern control techniques offer potential advantages over classical approaches. The benefits of multivariable optimization and guaranteed robustness are becoming increasingly attractive as aircraft become more highly integrated and complex. However, validation of modern control techniques has remained theoretical and applications have been restricted to the laboratory. To apply these techniques, the airframer must establish means to understand, evaluate, and verify them. Douglas has established an approach based on digital computer simulation facility to meet these ends. The major elements of this facility are: real-time dynamic system simulation; multivariable compensator generation; and hardware-in-the-loop closure. The facility is intended to serve as a stepping stone to flight test capability while retaining design and test flexibility. Features such as sensor synthesis and noise injection will ensure applicability to real-world implementation. This facility is being used in the evaluation of an integrated secondary system.