Project Title:

Computer-Aided Design Software for Integrated Flight/Propulsion Control System Design

94-1	01.03	7569

Computer-Aided Design Software for Integrated Flight/Propulsion 
Control System Design

Abstract:

The importance of integrated flight/propulsion control systems in 
enhancing the performance of STOVL aircraft and the future 
hypersonic aircraft has been recognized by researchers at NASA 
and other aerospace research centers. Proposed research will 
identify the role of integrated flight/propulsion control systems 
for improving the performance existing transport and high 
performance aircraft. Design algorithms for integrated 
flight/propulsion system control will be set up to form the basis 
for a computer-aided design software. Robust linear control 
techniques based on centralized control design followed by 
controller partitioning technique pioneered at NASA LeRC, 
together with decentralized design methods, and methods based on 
multiple time-scale analysis and feedback linearization will be 
included. During Phase II, these algorithms will be used for 
synthesize a computer-aided design package useful for integrated 
flight/propulsion control system development by the aerospace 
industry. 

Integrated flight/propulsion control systems have the potential 
for improving the performance and safety of existing aircraft, 
and will also find significant use in high angle of attack 
aircraft, high speed civil transport, and in the hypersonic 
aircraft program. Design methods and software developed under the 
proposed SBIR program will contribute towards the continued 
leadership of the U. S. aircraft industry.         
The software developed under the present research will find 
extensive use in the design of control systems containing several 
complex subsystems. Semiconductor process control and, control of 
flexible manufacturing systems are two typical examples of such 
systems.  

KEY WORDS

Optimal Synthesis
450 San Antonio Road, Suite 15
Palo Alto, CA 94303