Aeroelastic Control and Estimation with a Minimal Nonlinear Modal Description

Modal-based nonlinear moving horizon estimation (MHE) and model predictive control (MPC) strategies for very flexible aeroelastic systems are presented. They underpinned by an built from a one-dimensional intrinsic (based on strains velocities) description of geometrically beams unsteady vortex lattice aerodynamic model. Construction modal-based reduced-order the system, employing state-space realization linearized aerodynamics around arbitrary reference point, allows us to capture main geometrical couplings at low computational cost. Embedding this in both MHE MPC strategies, which solve system continuous-time adjoints efficiently compute sensitivities, lays foundations real-time highly systems. Finally, performance versatility framework operating regime demonstrated two flexible-wing models, with notably different dynamics, setups: gust-load alleviation problem high-aspect-ratio wing slower involves substantial deflections; flutter suppression significantly faster where unconventional stabilization mechanism is unveiled.