16.338: NONLINEAR AEROSPACE CONTROL SYSTEMS

DESCRIPTION

This course is an introduction to nonlinear dynamical systems. It aims at providing both theoretical and experimental knowledge of nonlinear dynamical systems.

On the theory side, we'll study ordinary differential equations and how to simulate them. We'll describe back-of-the envelope techniques to study second-order systems, like phase-plane control system analysis and synthesis. We'll see qualitative properties of several nonlinearities, like deadband, saturation, dry friction, backlash. Several applications of nonlinearities will be investigated, like pulse modulation systems, nonlinear integrators with limited phase loss and others. Notions of bifurcation theory will be explained at the elementary level, including frequency response jumps. Describing functions will be introduced as a convenient yet heuristic way to investigate nonlinear systems. We will introduce non-heuristic analysis methods based on Lyapunov's stability theory and their computer implementation.

During the experimental part of this course, you will operate a wind tunnel to investigate aerodynamic nonlinearities, transform a sabre saw into an open-loop, stable inverted pendulum, build a bowlfeeder and/or operate nonlinear flexible structures.