Real-Time Structural Overload Control via Control Allocation Optimization Project

<p>This control methodology utilizes real-time vehicle structural load and&nbsp;shape measurements to actively respond to and protect against vehicle&nbsp;damage due to structural overload. The innovation utilizes critical point&nbsp;load feedback within an optimal control allocation architecture that&nbsp;constrains the load at those critical points while still producing the&nbsp;control response commanded by a pilot. Specifically, the technology&nbsp;monitors the loads at critical control points and shifts the loading away&nbsp;from points at or near their limits.</p><p><strong>Work to date:</strong> Using NASA&rsquo;s Full-Scale Advanced Systems Testbed&nbsp;(FAST) aircraft, the Armstrong team targeted the aileron hinge connection&nbsp;as a critical control point. The experiment produced successful results in simulation and flight, preventing structural overload and yielding good handling&nbsp;characteristics for optimization metrics and load constraint types.</p><p><strong>Looking ahead:</strong>&nbsp;This effort led to being awarded an ARMD seedling fund phase one to further develop the technique and expand the work to other autonomy efforts.&nbsp;Future tests will&nbsp;employ more advanced and unique sensor technologies, such as fiber&nbsp;optic strain sensors. This technology could open the door to truly novel&nbsp;approaches to vehicle and control system design.</p><p><strong>Benefits</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Effective:</strong> Identifies the optimum control&nbsp;surface usage for a given maneuver for both&nbsp;performance and structural loading</li><li><strong>Automated:</strong> Monitors and alleviates stress&nbsp;on critical load points in real time</li><li><strong>Economical:</strong> Decreases the need for&nbsp;repairs and general maintenance</li></ul><p><strong>Applications</strong></p><ul><li>Jet aircraft</li><li>Rocket controls</li><li>Industrial robotics</li><li>Structural health monitoring and load alleviation</li></ul>

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