On-Line Optimization for Fault Tolerant Flight Control

Abstract : In this communication the case in which an aerodynamic actuator failure occurs to an aircraft while it has to perform some guidance maneuver is considered. This problem is dealt with the reassignment of remaining operational actuators in order to perform the required maneuver while maintaining the structural integrity of the aircraft. Nonlinear Inverse Control technique is used to generate online nominal moments along the three axes of the aircraft. Taking into account all material and structural constraints as well as the redundant effects from other actuators, a mathematical programming problem to be solved on-line which related to control reallocation can be formulated. Solution techniques, based on dynamic neural networks, active set methods and interior point methods are discussed and the respective performances are compared.