Finite-time control of underactuated spacecraft hovering. (November 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Huang, Xu; Yan, Ye; Huang, Zherui
• Is Part Of: Control engineering practice. Volume 68(2017)
• Page Start: 46
• Page End: 62
• Publication Date: 2017-11
• Subjects: Finite-time control -- Nonlinear control -- Spacecraft hovering -- Terminal sliding mode -- Underactuated control; Automatic control -- Periodicals; 629.89
• DOI: 10.1016/j.conengprac.2017.08.006
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0967-0661

Abstract

Abstract: Finite-time controllers are proposed in this paper for underactuated spacecraft hovering in the absence of the radial or in-track thrust. The indirect method, which is generally adopted to solve the singularity problem in the conventional terminal sliding mode, is modified to ensure the continuity of the high-order time derivative of the sliding surface at the switch points. Rigorous proofs via the Lyapunov-based approaches verify the finite-time stability of the closed-loop system. By comparisons with the asymptotic controllers, the advantages of the finite-time ones in faster convergence rate and enhanced control precision have also been substantiated. Highlights: Two underactuated hovering cases without radial or in-track thrust are discussed. Finite-time hovering control schemes for both underactuated cases are designed. The indirect method to eliminate the singularity problem is also improved. The novel method ensures the continuity of high-order derivative at switch points. The finite-time controllers present enhanced performance than asymptotic ones.