Observability analysis of piece-wise constant systems. I. Theory

For pt.II see ibid., vol.28, no.4, p.1068-75, Oct. 1992. A method for analyzing the observability of time-varying linear systems which can be modeled as piece-wise constant systems (PWCS) is presented. An observability matrix for such systems is developed for continuous and discrete time representations. A stripped observability matrix (SOM) is introduced which simplifies the analysis in cases where the use of this matrix is legitimate. The observability analysis is presented as a step-by-step procedure     

Error analysis of quaternion transformations [inertial navigation]

Three transformation formulas that relate the quaternions to the direction cosine matrix used in strapdown inertial systems are derived. An error model associated with the computed direction cosine matrix is briefly discussed. Error analysis is fully evaluated analytically and tabulated for comparison. Transformation errors associated with these formulas are analyzed. The drift errors evaluated under constant angular velocity are shown to vary slightly among three different transformations. It is shown that the skew errors in three transformation schemes are not all intrinsically zero. The scale errors may differ largely by two orders of magnitude among transformation schemes. This may become a criteria for selection of altitude transformation schemes     

Multiposition alignment of strapdown inertial navigation system

The authors demonstrate that the stationary alignment of strapdown inertial navigation system (SDINS) can be improved by employing the multiposition/technique. Using an observability analysis, it is shown that an optimal two-position alignment not only satisfies complete observability conditions but also minimizes alignment errors. This is done by analytic rank testing of the stripped observability matrix and numerical calculation of the error covariance. It is also shown that an optimal three-position alignment accelerates the convergence of the alignment error compared with two-position alignment     

捷联惯导系统误差特点分析

对捷联惯导系统的误差源进行了深入分析,结果表明当陀螺仪刻度系数误差较大时,捷联惯导系统定位误差闭合现象较明显,即飞机返场时,误差有明显减小的现象;分析了舒拉调谐周期对惯导系统位置误差的影响并进行仿真,仿真结果验证了舒拉调谐对误差的调制作用,即在舒拉周期振荡分量的影响下,惯导系统的累积误差在某段时间内存在误差减小现象。     

Linear parametrically varying systems with brief instabilities: an application to vision/inertial navigation

This paper addresses the problem of nonlinear filter design to estimate the relative position and velocity of an unmanned air vehicle (UAV) with respect to a point on a ship using infrared (IR) vision, inertial, and air data sensors. Sufficient conditions are derived for the existence of a particular type of complementary filters with guaranteed stability and performance in the presence of so-called out-of-frame events that arise when the vision system loses its target temporarily. The results obtained build upon new developments in the theory of linear parametrically varying systems (LPVs) with brief instabilities - also reported in the paper - and provide the proper framework to deal with out-of-frame events. Field tests with a prototype UAV illustrate the performance of the filter and the scope of applications of the new theory developed.     

平台惯导系统飞行试验性能误差分析

针对某型平台式惯导系统试飞中存在的性能超差现象,对惯导系统误差机理和飞行数据进行了分析,提出了影响飞行性能的误差因素。根据分析结果,从提高惯性元件精度和对相关误差进行标定和补偿两方面采取措施对惯导系统进行改进。改进后的惯导系统经过试飞验证,其性能满足设计指标,表明所采取的改进措施有效可行。     

Optimization of biased proportional navigation [guided projectiles]

An analytical treatment of the biased proportional navigation (BPN) is carried out with the aim of optimizing the bias parameter. It is shown that optimum biasing can lead to significantly more control-effort-efficient PN guidance in a wide variety of engagement situations, especially those involving higher target maneuvers. The performance of the BPN is compared with the standard (unbiased) PN system for the general case of a maneuvering target, and performance of the BPN is maximised to obtain the optimum bias value. The optimum bias is expressed through a simple algebraic equation, which can be readily solved. For the special (and very useful) case of the effective navigation constant being equal to three, the equation reduces to a quadratic, leading to an explicit expression for the optimum bias. Specific examples are provided to show the benefits of the BPN law. The higher control efficiency of the law is especially useful in extra-atmospheric interception, where the savings in control effort directly translates to a saving of propellent which forms part of the payload     

Today... tomorrow [of multidisciplinary systems of systems]

Some recent or near future examples of multidisciplinary systems of systems are illustrated. They include: upgraded Shuttle avionics; Airbus fly-by-wire; integrated modular electronics; electric automobiles; all-electric aircraft; and JointSTARS system     

Application of nonlinear filtering to navigation system designusing passive sensors

The problem of navigation system design for autonomous aircraft landing is addressed. New nonlinear filter structures are introduced to estimate the position and velocity of an aircraft with respect to a possibly moving landing site, such as a naval vessel, based on measurements provided by airborne vision and inertial sensors. By exploring the geometry of the navigation problem, the navigation filter dynamics are cast in the framework of linear parametrically varying systems (LPVs). Using this set-up, filter performance and stability are studied in an H_∞ setting by resorting to the theory of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). The design of nonlinear, regionally stable filters to meet adequate H_∞ performance measures is thus converted into that of determining the feasibility of a related set of LMIs and finding a solution to them, if it exists. This is done by using-widely available numerical tools that borrow from convex optimization techniques. The mathematical framework that is required for integrated vision/inertial navigation system design is developed and a design example for an air vehicle landing on an aircraft carrier is detailed     

Functional analysis: a system conceptual design tool [andapplication to ATC system]

Functional analysis is a methodology for analyzing the mission and performance requirements of a system, and translating them into discrete activities or tasks which must be performed by the system. Determination of the system's functionality is the first step in obtaining a conceptual view of a system that is to be designed. The methodology for conducting functional analysis is developed, some of the tools used to support the activity are described, including examples to help solidify the concepts presented     

Communications Award to Robert D. Briskman [Society News & Information]

The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics presented Robert D. Briskman with the Aerospace Communications Award at their 25th International Communications Satellite Systems Conference, in Seoul, Korea, on April 12, 2007.     

基于边缘采样的简化高阶CKF在非线性快速传递对准中的应用

针对舰载机惯导系统非线性传递对准问题中误差模型不完善的问题,同时考虑了挠曲运动和动态杆臂的影响,提出了一种新的适用于大方位失准角情形下的挠曲变形和杆臂效应加速度一体化误差模型。采用高阶容积卡尔曼滤波（HCKF）算法对状态进行滤波估计,考虑到HCKF具有较大的计算量,分析了传递对准模型的状态方程与量测方程结构,设计了一种基于边缘采样的简化高阶容积卡尔曼滤波（M-RHCKF）算法,其在时间更新中使用边缘采样算法,在量测更新过程中使用简化量测更新过程,并给出了该算法的证明过程。采用速度+姿态组合匹配方式,对提出的误差模型进行仿真实验。结果表明,该模型可以满足对准精度和对准时间的要求,相比于未考虑动态杆臂的传递对准模型具有更高的对准精度。     

Uses of electrodynamic forces in tethered satellite systems. II.Orbit-transfer

Part II of this work presents electrodynamic forces used for orbit transfer. The system presented in Part I is to be transferred to a new orbit of a different radius while maintaining a nearly Earth-pointing orientation at all times. The maneuver is to be performed with electrodynamic forces without the use of thrusters. To accomplish this mission, the notion of synchronized impulses, that is, running electric current through the tether at precalculated instants and amplitudes, is presented     

Design and analysis of a microprocessor-controlledpeak-power-tracking system [for solar cell arrays]

Stability and dynamics of a series configuration peak-power tracking (PPT) system are analyzed. The operating modes of the system, as well as mode transitions, are investigated based on qualitative graphical representations of dc load lines at various interfaces of the system. Analysis of multiloop control in the PPT mode is discussed. This includes the design of the inner voltage loop and analysis of the closed-loop system stability around the peak-power point. For an optimum dynamic performance and stability, design parameters of the inner voltage loop and the outer PPT loop are identified. Experimental verifications, supported by simulation results, are performed