Published online by Cambridge University Press: 04 July 2016
This paper deals with the problem of determining anoptimal controller which minimises thenorm of a given aircraftwhile guaranteeing that an upper limit of its
norm is not exceeded. Theproblem is tackled by means of a linear matrixinequality formulation, which allows one toconstrain the eigenvalues of the model to within afixed region of the complex plane. Key features ofthe method are the possibility of simultaneously
1. keeping the maximum value of the inputdemand under control
2. taking flying quality requirements intoaccount
3. assuring a minimum level of systemrobustness against uncertainties of the model.
The approach is simple to handle and is well suited tothe design of aircraft stability augmentationsystems. A discussion of two case studiesdemonstrates the effectiveness of the procedure.