Extended state observer-based back-stepping control for hypersonic reentry vehicle with input constraints

Abstract

Abstract This paper investigates the attitude-tracking control problem of hypersonic reentry vehicle in cases of multiple uncertainties, external disturbances and input constraints. The controller design is based on synthesizing the extended state observer (ESO) into a back-stepping control technique. This control-oriented model is formulated with mismatched and matched uncertainties. They reflect the total disturbances that group different types of aerodynamic uncertainties and external moment disturbances. In order to improve the system robustness, a sigmoid function-based ESO is first proposed. This will estimate the total disturbance and is equipped with a controller. The sigmoid smooth function is also introduced for the purpose of handling the input constraints. This will approximate saturation and guarantee that the control input is bounded. Error states between the actual control input and the desired control input are integrated to compensate for the saturation effect. Following this, the stability of the closed-loop system is proved within the Lyapunov theory framework. Several simulations are then investigated to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed constrained attitude control scheme.