Robust Hybrid Feedforward-Feedback Control and Dynamic Rotorcraft Simulation for Active Vibration Control

In Phase I program Invercon will team with Bell Helicopter and PSU to further develop a package of simulation models and analysis tools recently created at Bell for AVC system design and evaluation. The analytical models have been developed in Simulink to accurately replicate various rotorcrafts vibration environment in steady flight and in transient maneuvers. The AVC control approach is introduced into the rotorcraft models via airframe and AVC actuator transfer matrices. Ultimately, the effectiveness of the given control approach can be observed through a time domain airframe response. Invercon and PSU will introduce hybrid feedforward-feedback control approaches into the model which incorporate both a modern control approach, such as the Linear Quadradtic Guassian (LQG) based on identified state space models, while also preserving traditional frequency-based helicopter control approaches, such as adaptive self-tuning regulators for multicyclic control. The control approach parameters will then be optimized so that broadband vibration suppression is maximized while control effort is minimized during both steady state and transient flight conditions. In Phase II, Invercon and PSU will then integrate the control approach into RCAS (Rotorcraft Comprehensive Analysis System), a nonproprietary government analysis tool that is a full-fidelity, comprehensive rotorcraft model.