Observer Desing Via TP Model Transformation

Abstract

This paper presents a case study how to apply the recently proposed TP model transformation technique, that has been introduced for nonlinear statefeedback control design, to nonlinear observer design. The study is conducted through an example. This example treats the question of observer design to the prototypical aeroelastic wing section with structural nonlinearity. This type of model has been traditionally used for the theoretical as well as experimental analysis of two-dimensional aeroelastic behavior. The model investigated in the paper describes the nonlinear plunge and pitch motion of a wing, and exhibits complex nonlinear behavior. In preliminary works this prototypical aeroelastic wing section was stabilized by a state-feedback controller designed via TP model transformation and linear matrix inequalities. Extending this control strategy with the observer derived in this paper an output feedback strategy can be determined. Numerical simulations are used to provide empirical validation of the resulting observer.