0000000000042703
AUTHOR
Kimon P. Valavanis
Linear Quadratic Regulator: A Simple Thrust Vector Control System for Rockets
The paper focuses on developing, tuning, and testing a controller for a two-stage finless rocket during its boost phase that is based on the Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQR) optimal control method. This is accomplished by deriving and adopting a simplified rigid body rocket model that represents accurately its physical properties and the corresponding aerodynamic forces acting on the rocket system during the flight phase. The launcher is commanded through the control input thrust gimbal angle δ to the desired altitude using the implemented LQR-based controller. Emphasis is given to the Thrust Vector Control (TVC) system, and to the minimization of the drift caused by wind gust disturbance p…
Thrust Vector Controller Comparison for a Finless Rocket
The paper focuses on comparing applicability, tuning, and performance of different controllers implemented and tested on a finless rocket during its boost phase. The objective was to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of each controller, such that the most appropriate one would then be developed and implemented in real-time in the finless rocket. The compared controllers were Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQR), Linear Quadratic Gaussian (LQG), and Proportional Integral Derivative (PID). To control the attitude of the rocket, emphasis is given to the Thrust Vector Control (TVC) component (sub-system) through the gimballing of the rocket engine. The launcher is commanded through the cont…