Robust impedance active control of flight control devices

This paper focuses on the control of the mechanical impedance of an aircraft yoke. The control architecture involves an inner position servo-loop and an outer loop feedbacking the torque/force measurement to the position reference input through the required admitance model. Two different approaches are presented for the inner position servo-loop design: a classical Proportional-Derivative control and a structured H∞ control. These two approaches are compared from the performance/robustness trade off point of view. The performance and robustness indexes are respectively the maximal variation on the required admittance model and the maximal pilot own impedance supported by the closed loop system before to become unstable. These indexes are computed using real μ-analysis. Both approaches are implemented on an experimental test-bed. Analysis and exprimental results with a pilot in the loop confirm that the structured H∞ controller is the best solution.