Simulated Scramjet Shock Train Control Using an All-Coefficient Adaptive Control Approach

This paper explores the use of dual-mode scramjet shock train control taking an adaptive control approach known as characteristic model-based all-coefficient adaptive control. In this study a simple, semiempirical model of a dual-mode scramjet is developed. This model is suited to computationally efficient control simulation for the assessment of different control approaches. All-coefficient adaptive control is predicted to be as capable of controlling the shock train location, and rejecting disturbances, as a traditional proportional–integral–derivative controller. However, prior knowledge of the scramjet plant is not required for the all-coefficient adaptive control, and it is predicted that this controller is able to better perform when changes in the plant take place. When characteristics of the plant deviate from their nominal values, the adaptive controller can adjust in real time and maintain a stable system response. This is the first time the performance of all-coefficient adaptive control has been examined in the open literature for a dual-mode scramjet. It is also the first time all-coefficient adaptive control of a dual-mode scramjet has been compared to proportional–integral–derivative control. The simple, empirically based plant model of the dual-mode scramjet is also new, and it is well suited to real-time and hardware-in-the-loop control simulations.