Lyapunov-Based Exponential Tracking Control of a Hypersonic Aircraft with Aerothermoelastic Effects

Hypersonic flight conditions produce temperature variations that can alter both the structural dynamics and flight dynamics. These aerothermoelastic effects are modeled by a nonlinear, temperature-dependent, parameter-varying state-space representation. The model includes an uncertain parameter-varying state matrix, an uncertain parameter-varying nonsquare (column-deficient) input matrix, and a nonlinear additive bounded disturbance. A Lyapunov-based continuous robust controller is developed that yields exponential tracking of a reference model, despite the presence of bounded nonvanishing disturbances. Simulation results for a hypersonic aircraft are provided to demonstrate the robustness and efficacy of the proposed controller.