Bifurcation Tools for Flight Dynamics Analysis and Control System Design, Phase I

Modern bifurcation analysis methods have been proposed for investigating flight dynamics and control system design in highly nonlinear regimes and also for the validation of control systems prior to flight. In this project we propose to build a computer analysis system that integrates symbolic and numerical methods within an interactive graphical framework. The system will be designed to enable flight dynamical analysis and control system design and analysis around bifurcation points. It will based on prior work by the investigators, bringing together bifurcation analysis tools, nonlinear control design tools and new methods developed by them that addresses bifurcations in controlled dynamical systems. The project is unique in three respects: 1) it integrates symbolic and numerical computing methods to achieve more efficient and more reliable results, 2) it provides a powerful user interface that allows essential visualization options and enables the analyst to build and modify models and choose from a variety bifurcation analysis tools, and 3) it integrates symbolic nonlinear control system analysis constructions so that the analyst has the means to ask the appropriate questions in this highly nonlinear regime.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

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