Robust decentralized controller design for highly Maneuverable Aircraft

Abstract Large-scale control systems often encounter challenges due to their intricate control structures, leading to delays and uncertainties when traditional centralized control methods are implemented in engineering applications. In response to these challenges and with the aim of enhancing control efficiency, the exploration of decentralized control approaches has become increasingly prominent. This paper presents two decentralized control strategies: fixed structure control theory, which is built upon the foundational principles of traditional robust controller design, and the weighted model approximation method, which integrates weighted model reduction with optimization strategies. The fixed structure control theory predetermines architecture of the controllers, significantly alleviating the computational burden associated with the development of robust controllers. Conversely, the weighted model approximation method proposes a more intuitive and succinct pathway for controller design and engineering application. The efficacy of these strategies is evaluated through their application to the Highly Maneuverable Aircraft (HIMAT) system. The results demonstrate that, the fixed structure control theory generally exhibits good performance. However, in certain engineering scenarios, the conclusions derived from the weighted model approximation method for decentralized controller design are easier to comprehend and facilitate rapid application.