Adaptive neural-based finite-time attitude synchronization and tracking control of multiple rigid bodies under actuator faults and saturation

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper, is to solve the problem of finite-time fault-tolerant attitude synchronization and tracking control of multiple rigid bodies in presence of model uncertainty, external disturbances, actuator faults and saturation. It is assumed that the rigid bodies in the formation may encounter loss of effectiveness and/or bias actuator faults.

Design/methodology/approach

For the purpose, adaptive terminal sliding mode control and neural network structure are used, and a new sliding surface is proposed to guarantee known finite-time convergence not only at the reaching phase but also on the sliding surface. The sliding surface is then modified using a proposed auxiliary system to maintain stability under actuator saturation.

Findings

Assuming that the communication topology between the rigid bodies is governed by an undirected connected graph and the upper bounds on the actuators’ faults, estimation error of model uncertainty and external disturbance are unknown, not only the attitudes of the rigid bodies in the formation are synchronized but also they track the time-varying attitude of a virtual leader. Using Lyapunov stability approach, finite-time stability of the proposed control algorithms demonstrated on the sliding phase as well as the reaching phase. The effectiveness of the proposed algorithm is also validated by simulation.

Originality/value

The proposed controller has the advantage that the need for any fault detection and diagnosis mechanism and the upper bounds information on estimation error and external disturbance is eliminated.

Citation

Mihankhah, A. and Doustmohammadi, A. (2022), "Adaptive neural-based finite-time attitude synchronization and tracking control of multiple rigid bodies under actuator faults and saturation", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 94 No. 3, pp. 407-417. https://doi.org/10.1108/AEAT-10-2020-0219