Lac/Hac System with a Variable Feedback Gain for Flexible Space Structures

This paper proposes a new control technique, based on the low authority control/ high authority control (LAC/HAC) concept, to suppress the vibration of flexible space structures. The control system designed by the new control technique has a mechanism to adjust the HAC feedback gain between zero and one in such a manner as to enhance the effectiveness of control and to obtain global stability even when the magnitude of the LAC gain is not suitable. The paper first describes the theoretical mechanism of the new control technique and proposes a numerical method for determining the HAC feedback gain based on a neural network system. Then it shows the characteristic features of the new technique by computer simulation examples. The computer simulation shows that the new technique is quite effective in suppressing the spillover effects, and quite feasible for implementation.