Adaptive control for hybrid PDE models inspired from morphing aircraft

Abstract

This paper develops a distributed parameter model for a morphing, flexible wing aircraft with a movable trailing edge. The aircraft is modeled as a multiple component structure comprising a flexible plate, that model the wing which has n-number of rigid flaps attached to its trailing edge. An aerodynamic lift force acts upon this multiple component structure. For this PDE model, an adaptive-optimal controller is designed that maximizes a lift related performance index.