Adaptive Controls for Active Structural Control

Active flutter suppression was first demonstarted in-flight on X-56. The biggest challenges with active structural control are realted to accounting for modeling inaccuracies and system variablity. Discussions with AFRL have confirmed these as the primary challenges. Adaptive control techniques are a potentially viable solution to both of these challenges. This proposal is to develop an experiment with AFRL to evaluate different adaptive control techniques in their ground test facilities.

• Enable controlled flight of lighter and more flexible vehicles; reduce weight and drag; improve passenger comfort • Eliminate returning controls at diff. flight conditions / ac configs to save time/money and reduce risk • Expand to flexible space structures; Mars airborne and hypersonic vehicles • Enable advanced controllers for more fuel-efficient vehicles

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 2) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.