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Article
Publication date: 3 January 2017

Rooh ul Amin and Aijun Li

The purpose of this paper is to present μ-synthesis-based robust attitude trajectory tracking control of three degree-of-freedom four rotor hover vehicle.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present μ-synthesis-based robust attitude trajectory tracking control of three degree-of-freedom four rotor hover vehicle.

Design/methodology/approach

Comprehensive modelling of hover vehicle is presented, followed by development of uncertainty model. A μ-synthesis-based controller is designed using the DK iteration method that not only handles structured and unstructured uncertainties effectively but also guarantees robust performance. The performance of the proposed controller is evaluated through simulations, and the controller is also implemented on experimental platform. Simulation and experimental results validate that μ-synthesis-based robust controller is found effective in: solving robust attitude trajectory tracking problem of multirotor vehicle systems, handling parameter variations and dealing with external disturbances.

Findings

Performance analysis of the proposed controller guarantees robust stability and also ensures robust trajectory tracking performance for nominal system and for 15-20 per cent variations in the system parameters. In addition, the results also ensure robust handling of wind gusts disturbances.

Originality/value

This research addresses the robust performance of hover vehicle’s attitude control subjected to uncertainties and external disturbances using μ-synthesis-based controller. This is the only method so far that guarantees robust stability and performance simultaneously.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 89 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1748-8842

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 October 2017

Aalya Banu and Asan G.A. Muthalif

This paper aims to develop a robust controller to control vibration of a thin plate attached with two piezoelectric patches in the presence of uncertainties in the mass of the…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to develop a robust controller to control vibration of a thin plate attached with two piezoelectric patches in the presence of uncertainties in the mass of the plate. The main goal of this study is to tackle dynamic perturbation that could lead to modelling error in flexible structures. The controller is designed to suppress first and second modal vibrations.

Design/methodology/approach

Out of various robust control strategies, μ-synthesis controller design algorithm has been used for active vibration control of a simply supported thin place excited and actuated using two piezoelectric patches. Parametric uncertainty in the system is taken into account so that the robust system will be achieved by maximizing the complex stability radius of the closed-loop system. Effectiveness of the designed controller is validated through robust stability and performance analysis.

Findings

Results obtained from numerical simulation indicate that implementation of the designed controller can effectively suppress the vibration of the system at the first and second modal frequencies by 98.5 and 88.4 per cent, respectively, despite the presence of structural uncertainties. The designed controller has also shown satisfactory results in terms of robustness and performance.

Originality/value

Although vibration control in designing any structural system has been an active topic for decades, Ordinary fixed controllers designed based on nominal parameters do not take into account the uncertainties present in and around the system and hence lose their effectiveness when subjected to uncertainties. This paper fulfills an identified need to design a robust control system that accommodates uncertainties.

Details

World Journal of Engineering, vol. 14 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1708-5284

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 October 2012

Mahdi Fatehi, Majid Moghaddam and Mohammad Rahim

The purpose of this paper is to present a novel approach in aeroservoelastic analysis and robust control of a wing section with two control surfaces in leading‐edge and…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a novel approach in aeroservoelastic analysis and robust control of a wing section with two control surfaces in leading‐edge and trailing‐edge. The method demonstrates how the number of model uncertainties can affect the flutter margin.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed method effectively incorporates the structural model of a wing section with two degrees of freedom of pitch and plunge with two control surfaces on trailing and leading edges. A quasi‐steady aerodynamics assumption is made for the aerodynamic modeling. Basically, perturbations are considered for the dynamic pressure models and uncertainty parameters are associated with structural stiffness and structural damping and are accounted for in the model by a Linear Fractional Transformation (LFT) model. The control commands are applied to a first and second order electro‐mechanical actuator.

Findings

Dynamic performance of aeroelastic/aeroservoelastic system including time responses, system modal specifications, critical flutter speeds, and stability margins are extracted and compared with each other. Simulation results are validated through experiments and are compared to other existing methods available to the authors. Results of simulations with four structural uncertainties and first order controllers have a good agreement with experimental test results. Furthermore, it is shown that by using a high gain second order controller, the aeroservoelastic (ASE) system does not have any coupling nature in frequency response.

Originality/value

In this study, modeling, simulation, and robust control of a wing section have been investigated utilizing the μ‐Analysis method and the wing flutter phenomenon is predicted in the presence of multiple uncertainties. The proposed approach is an advanced method compared to conventional flutter analysis methods (such as V‐g or p‐k) for calculating stability margin of aeroelastic/aeroservoelastic systems.

Article
Publication date: 21 November 2023

Heping Liu, Sanaullah, Angelo Vumiliya and Ani Luo

The aim of this article is to obtain a stable tensegrity structure by using the minimum knowledge of the structure.

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this article is to obtain a stable tensegrity structure by using the minimum knowledge of the structure.

Design/methodology/approach

Three methods have been formulated based on the eigen value decomposition (EVD) and singular value decomposition theorems. These two theorems are being implemented on the matrices, which are computed from the minimal data of the structure. The required minimum data for the structure is the dimension of the structure, the connectivity matrix of the structure and the initial force density matrix computed from the type of elements. The stability of the structure is analyzed based on the rank deficiency of the force density matrix and equilibrium matrix.

Findings

The main purpose of this article is to use the defined methods to find (1) the nodal coordinates of the structure, (2) the final force density values of the structure, (3) single self-stress from multiple self-stresses and (4) the stable structure.

Originality/value

By using the defined approaches, one can understand the difference of each method, which includes, (1) the selection of eigenvalues, (2) the selection of nodal coordinates from the first decomposition theorem, (3) the selection of mechanism mode and force density values further and (4) the solution of single feasible self-stress from multiple self-stresses.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 41 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 February 2020

Hong Jun Li, Wei Jiang, Dehua Zou, Yu Yan, An Zhang and Wei Chen

In the multi-splitting transmission lines extreme power environment of ultra-high voltage and strong electromagnetic interference, to improve the trajectory tracking and stability…

Abstract

Purpose

In the multi-splitting transmission lines extreme power environment of ultra-high voltage and strong electromagnetic interference, to improve the trajectory tracking and stability control performance of the robot manipulator when conduct electric power operation, and effectively reduce the influence of disturbance factors on the robot motion control, this paper aims to presents a robust trajectory tracking motion control method for power cable robot manipulators based on sliding mode variable structure control theory.

Design/methodology/approach

Through the layering of aerial-online-ground robot three-dimensional control architecture, the robot joint motion dynamic model has been built, and the motion control model of the N-degrees of freedom robot system has also been obtained. On this basis, the state space expression of joint motion control under disturbance and uncertainty has been also derived, and the manipulator sliding mode variable structure trajectory tracking control model has also been established. The influence of the perturbation control parameters on the robot motion control can be compensated by the back propagation neural network learning, the stability of the controller has been analyzed by using Lyapunov theory.

Findings

The robot has been tested on a analog line in the lab, the effectiveness of sliding mode variable structure control is verified by trajectory tracking simulation experiments of different typical signals with different methods. The field operation experiment further verifies the engineering practicability of the control method. At the same time, the control method has the remarkable characteristics of sound versatility, strong adaptability and easy expansion.

Originality/value

Three-dimensional control architecture of underground-online-aerial robots has been proposed for industrial field applications in the ubiquitous power internet of things environment (UPIOT). Starting from the robot joint motion, the dynamic equation of the robot joint motion and the state space expression of the robot control system have been established. Based on this, a robot closed-loop trajectory tracking control system has been designed. A robust trajectory tracking motion control method for robots based on sliding mode variable structure theory has been proposed, and a sliding mode control model for the robot has been constructed. The uncertain parameters in the control model have been compensated by the neural network in real-time, and the sliding mode robust control law of the robot manipulator has been solved and obtained. A suitable Lyapunov function has been selected to prove the stability of the system. This method enhances the expansibility of the robot control system and shortens the development cycle of the controller. The trajectory tracking simulation experiment of the robot manipulator proves that the sliding mode variable structure control can effectively restrain the influence of disturbance and uncertainty on the robot motion stability, and meet the design requirements of the control system with fast response, high tracking accuracy and sound stability. Finally, the engineering practicability and superiority of sliding mode variable structure control have been further verified by field operation experiments.

Details

Industrial Robot: the international journal of robotics research and application, vol. 47 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 August 2019

Wei Jiang, Yu Yan, Qiao Min Li, An Zhang, Hong Jun Li and Daogeng Jiang

The power cable maintenance robot is an important equipment to ensure the reliable operation of high-voltage transmission (HVT) lines and is a useful exploration to achieve…

Abstract

Purpose

The power cable maintenance robot is an important equipment to ensure the reliable operation of high-voltage transmission (HVT) lines and is a useful exploration to achieve high-quality power transmission. In respond to a series of technical problems in the operation process, such as robot shaking, terminal positioning error, camera image blurred and visual servo control difficulty which caused by the influence of high altitude random wind load on the motion control of power maintenance robot. The purpose of this study is to minimizing the impact of wind loads on robot motion control on the high voltage transmission line, so as to obtain the sound motion performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents a robust stabilization control method for flexible wire power maintenance robot under wind load action, the coupling mathematical model between the flexible wire with the robot has been established, and the robot rolling model under wind load has also been established. According to the tilt sensor, the robot pendulum angle value can be obtained and fitted through sinusoidal function; the robot swing period and frequency under wind load action can be also obtained; the feedforward- and feedback-based robot closed-loop control system is also designed.

Findings

Through the online detection of wind load dection, so as to dynamic control the clamping force of the robot's dual-arm jaws, therefore, the robot robust stabilization control with different grades of wind load can be realized. Finally, the effectiveness and engineering practicability of the proposed algorithm are verified by simulation experiments and field operation experiments. Compared with the conventional proportional integral differential (PID) algorithm, this method can effectively suppress the influence of wind load on the robot robust stabilization motion control, and the robot posture detection operation control has been further optimized.

Originality/value

A robust stabilization control method for power robot under wind load is proposed. The coupling motion model of flexible HVT and robot is established. The mathematical relationship between the robot wind rolling angle and the wind force has been deduced, and the corresponding closed-loop control system with feedforward and feedback has also been designed. Through the design of robust stabilization control algorithm based on mixed sensitivity function, the effectiveness of the mixed sensitivity robust stabilization control algorithm is verified by simulation experiments in MATLAB environment. Compared with the traditional PID algorithm, this method can effectively suppress the influence of large-scale disturbance information represented by wind load on the robot motion control. The engineering practicability of the robot robust stabilization control algorithm is further verified by the robot live damper replacement operation under the field wind load, which further improves the robot operation efficiency and intelligence.

Details

Industrial Robot: the international journal of robotics research and application, vol. 46 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 January 2021

Navya Thirumaleshwar Hegde, V. I. George, C. Gurudas Nayak and Aldrin Claytus Vaz

This paper aims to provide a mathematical modeling and design of H-infinity controller for an autonomous vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) Quad Tiltrotor hybrid unmanned aerial…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a mathematical modeling and design of H-infinity controller for an autonomous vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) Quad Tiltrotor hybrid unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The variation in the aerodynamics and model dynamics of these aerial vehicles due to its tilting rotors are the key issues and challenges, which attracts the attention of many researchers. They carry parametric uncertainties (such as non-linear friction force, backlash, etc.), which drives the designed controller based on the nominal model to instability or performance degradation. The controller needs to take these factors into consideration and still give good stability and performance. Hence, a robust H-infinity controller is proposed that can handle these uncertainties.

Design/methodology/approach

A unique VTOL Quad Tiltrotor hybrid UAV, which operates in three flight modes, is mathematically modeled using Newton–Euler equations of motion. The contribution of the model is its ability to combine high-speed level flight, VTOL and transition between these two phases. The transition involves the tilting of the proprotors from 90° to 0° and vice-versa in 15° intervals. A robust H-infinity control strategy is proposed, evaluated and analyzed through simulation to control the flight dynamics for different modes of operation.

Findings

The main contribution of this research is the mathematical modeling of three flight modes (vertical takeoff–forward, transition–cruise-back, transition-vertical landing) of operation by controlling the revolutions per minute and tilt angles, which are independent of each other. An autonomous flight control system using a robust H-infinity controller to stabilize the mode of transition is designed for the Quad Tiltrotor UAV in the presence of uncertainties, noise and disturbances using MATLAB/SIMULINK. This paper focused on improving the disturbance rejection properties of the proposed UAV by designing a robust H-infinity controller for position and orientation trajectory regulation in the presence of uncertainty. The simulation results show that the Tiltrotor achieves transition successfully with disturbances, noise and uncertainties being present.

Originality/value

A novel VTOL Quad Tiltrotor UAV mathematical model is developed with a special tilting rotor mechanism, which combines both aircraft and helicopter flight modes with the transition taking place in between phases using robust H-infinity controller for attitude, altitude and trajectory regulation in the presence of uncertainty.

Details

International Journal of Intelligent Unmanned Systems, vol. 9 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2049-6427

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 April 2020

Yu Yan, Wei Jiang, Dehua Zou, Wusheng Quan, Hong Jun Li, YunFei Lei and Zhan fan Zhou

In the long-term network operation, the power distribution network will be subjected to the effects of ultra-high voltage, strong electromagnetic interference and harsh natural…

Abstract

Purpose

In the long-term network operation, the power distribution network will be subjected to the effects of ultra-high voltage, strong electromagnetic interference and harsh natural environment on the power system, which will lead to the occurrence of different faults in the distribution network and directly affect the normal operation of the power grid.

Design/methodology/approach

The purpose of this study is to solve the problems of labor intensity, high risk and low efficiency of distribution network manual maintenance operation, this paper proposed a new configuration of the live working robot for distribution network maintenance, the robot is equipped with dual working arms through the mobile platform, which can realize the coordination movement, the autonomous reorganization and replacement of the end tools, respectively, so as the robot power distribution maintenance function such as stripping, trimming, wiring and the operation control problem of the distribution network-robot with small arms and in small operation space can be realized.

Findings

To effective elimination or reduce the adverse effects of the internal forces in the closed chain between the working object and manipulator under the typical task of the 10 kV distribution network, this paper has established the robot coordinated control dynamics model in the closed-chain between the dual-working object and proposed the dynamic distribution method of closed-chain internal force and the effectiveness has been proved by simulation experiments and 10 kV field operation.

Originality/value

The force-position hybrid control can realize the mutual compensation of force and position so as to effectively reduce the internal force in the closed chain. Finally, the engineering practicality of the method is verified by field operation experiment, the effective implementation of this control method greatly improves the robot working efficiency and the operation reliability, the promotion and application of the control method have great theoretical and practical value and maintenance management system, so as to achieve automation of electric.

Details

Industrial Robot: the international journal of robotics research and application, vol. 47 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 January 2017

Elisa Capello, Giorgio Guglieri and Gianluca Ristorto

The aim of this paper is the implementation and validation of control and guidance algorithms for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) autopilots.

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this paper is the implementation and validation of control and guidance algorithms for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) autopilots.

Design/methodology/approach

The path-following control of the UAV can be separated into different layers: inner loop for pitch and roll attitude control, outer loop on heading, altitude and airspeed control for the waypoints tracking and waypoint navigation. Two control laws are defined: one based on proportional integrative derivative (PID) controllers both for inner and outer loops and one based on the combination of PIDs and an adaptive controller.

Findings

Good results can be obtained in terms of trajectory tracking (based on waypoints) and of parameter variations. The adaptive control law guarantees smoothing responses and less oscillations and glitches on the control deflections.

Practical implications

The proposed controllers are easily implementable on-board and are computationally efficient.

Originality/value

The algorithm validation via hardware in the loop simulations can be used to reduce the platform set-up time and the risk of losing the prototype during the flight tests.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 89 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1748-8842

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 September 2020

Wei Jiang, Dehua Zou, Xiao Zhou, Gan Zuo, Gao Cheng Ye and Hong Jun Li

The purpose of this study is to solve the key technical problems of the practical application of electric robots. The UHV multi-split transmission line power cable operation robot…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to solve the key technical problems of the practical application of electric robots. The UHV multi-split transmission line power cable operation robot is an important equipment to ensure the reliable operation of high voltage lines and is a useful exploration to realize high-quality power transmission. As the robot system platform equipment mature and operation environment gradually become more complex, the double arm coordination motion control in extreme environment becomes one of the main bottleneck for its practical in power system.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper summarizes the key technologies related to power cable robots, and aims at key technical indicators such as operation reliability, operation efficiency and operation quality in the robot’s practical process. The dynamic evolution mechanism of the robot’s mechanical configuration, the multi-physics information fusion algorithm in extreme environments, the robot’s autonomous positioning and its error compensation control, the robot’s robust motion control in extreme environments and the dual-arm force-position hybrid coordination control and the dynamic distribution and elimination mechanism of internal forces in the closed chain between robots and operating objects, all the research methods and solutions of the key technologies are proposed, respectively.

Findings

Finally, a new control architecture for power cable robots in the background of the Ubiquitous Power Internet of Things is proposed so as to manage the operation and maintenance of electric power systems. The above key technologies are a new exploration of the operation and maintenance management of EHV (Extra High Voltage) multi-split transmission lines which have laid a solid theoretical foundation for the power cable robot.

Originality/value

High voltage transmission line is the main channel of power transmission. It is an important means to improve the integration of operation and maintenance management of power system to use robot instead of manual inspection and maintenance of power line, in the promotion and application of electric robot. The authors pay attention to the practicability, and the breakthrough of key technologies of robot is the premise of the practicability of robot. In this paper, the robot operation and control in multi-task and complex scenes are studied. The research and implementation of the main key technologies, such as the dynamic evolution mechanism of robot configuration, the coupling and fusion law of multi physical fields in the extreme electric power environment, the autonomous positioning control of manipulator, the robust control of robot in the super electromagnetic field environment and the cooperative operation control of multi manipulator, are discussed.

Details

Industrial Robot: the international journal of robotics research and application, vol. 48 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

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