Robust Adaptive Control of Unbalance Response for a Flexible Rotor

Abstract

Tools for the analysis and synthesis of robust adaptive open loop controllers are evaluated experimentally on a magnetic bearing supported flexible rotor. A detailed explanation of how these tools may be applied is given via this example problem. Five synthesized controllers were tested and each resulted in significantly greater robustness than the standard solution to the problem. The value of the theory is also demonstrated by the high correlation between experimental results and the theoretical predictions of stability margin, convergence rate, and worst case performance.