Engineering topics
Publications and source records attributed to Breakwell, J. A..
The Lockheed TOYSAT experiment is described. The experiment was designed to test hypothesis concerning the application of optimal control theory to flexible spacecraft. The theory is presented, and results described.
High and low authority control integration; analytical studies, test model, disturbance rejection, LSS control, Toysat experiment, control hardware, slim beam test, plate experiments, and truss experimental results are presented.
Modern control theory easily works with multiple input/multiple output systems. Two types of systems which fall into this category are flexible systems, where many measurements and several actuators are necessary to provide control over bending behavior, and articulated systems which consist of several rigid bodies connected together by pivoting connections. In this latter case, multiple controls are implemented as torquers at the joints.