Fuzzy robust fault estimation scheme for fault tolerant flight control systems based on unknown input observer

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study is to present a new integrated structure for a fault tolerant aircraft control system because fault diagnosis of flight control systems is extremely important in obtaining healthy flight. An approach to detect and isolate aircraft sensor faults is proposed, and a new integrated structure for a fault tolerant aircraft control system is presented. Design/methodology/approach As disturbance and sensor faults are mixed together in a flight control system, it is difficult to isolate any fault from the disturbance. This paper proposes a robust unknown input observer for state estimation and fault detection as well as isolation using fuzzy logic. Findings The dedicated observer scheme (DOS) and generalized observer scheme (GOS) are used for fault detection and isolation in an observer-based approach. Using the DOS, it has been shown through simulation that sensor fault detection and isolation can be made, but here the threshold value must be well chosen; if not, the faulty sensor cannot be correctly isolated. On the other hand, the GOS is more usable and flexible than the DOS and allows isolation of faults more correctly and for a fuzzy logic-based controller to be used to realize fault isolation completely. Originality/value The fuzzy logic approach applied to the flight control system adds an important key for sensor fault isolation because it reduces the effect of false alarms and allows the identification of different kinds of sensor faults. The proposed approach can be used for similar systems.