Model Predictive Control Scheme for Rotorcraft Inverse Simulation

A novel inverse simulation scheme is proposed for application to rotorcraft dynamic models. The algorithm is based on a model predictive control scheme, that allows for a faster solution of the inverse simulation step, working on a lower–order, simplified helicopter model. The control action is then propagated forward in time on a more complete model. The algorithm compensates for discrepancies between the models by means of a simple guidance scheme. The proposed approach allows for the assessment of handling quality potential on the basis of the most sophisticated model, adopted for the forward simulation, while keeping model complexity to a minimum level for the computationally more demanding inverse simulation algorithm. This allows for a faster solution of the inverse problem, if compared with the computational time necessary for solving the same problem on the basis of the full–order, more complex model. At the same time, the results are not affected by modeling approximations at the basis of the simplified one. The reported results, for an articulated blade, single main rotor helicopter model demonstrate the validity of the approach.