Implementing trajectory correction strategy through model prediction control for flight vehicle missions

Abstract

Modeling a high-speed flying vehicle is imperative to ensure the success of vehicle development missions. Moreover, adherence to research protocols mandates a stepwise approach to testing the vehicle model, encompassing simulation trials using software-in-the-loop simulation (SILS), hardware-in-the-loop simulation (HILS), as well as diverse ground and environmental tests prior to flight testing. This study entailed a collaborative effort between MATLAB/Simulink and LabVIEW to seamlessly integrate the model developed in MATLAB/Simulink into LabVIEW for the implementation of model predictive control (MPC) strategy, aimed at trajectory correction (TC) missions for the vehicle. This MPC strategy was directly applied to the onboard flight control system (OBFCS) of the vehicle. Simulation results indicate the successful control of roll and pitch conditions by OBFCS in both SILS and HILS, ensuring the maintenance of flight conditions in accordance with predicted trajectories despite the presence of simulated disturbances. Notably, the simulation demonstrates the independence or absence of interference between each simultaneous MPC control for roll and pitch adjustments.