Switched linear parameter-varying modeling and tracking control for flexible hypersonic vehicle

In this paper, the reference tracking problem for a class of flexible hypersonic vehicles, whose dynamics vary significantly as flight states changes, is investigated via a novel switched linear parameter-varying (LPV) framework. Specifically, ranges of velocity and altitude are divided into several partitions, and the flexible hypersonic vehicle dynamics is modeled as a LPV system in each partition. Then the switched LPV model for the underlying system is obtained over a wide range of operating conditions. Switched LPV tracking controllers based on the developed model are established under mode independent/dependent persistent dwell time (PDT/MPDT) switching signals, respectively. Compared with the conventional mode independent/dependent average dwell time (ADT/MADT) switching signals, the proposed PDT/MPDT switching signals can address some more general flight variations, such as slow maneuvers and frequent rapid maneuvers coexist in the same flight mission. Furthermore, stringent transient and steady-state performance and a guaranteed non-weighted H∞ performance are achieved with the aid of multiple Lyapunov-like functions. A simulation is used to illustrate the designed controller via two proposed switching signals.