Prediction and control of limit cycling motions in boosting rockets

An investigation concerning the prediction and control of observed limit cycling behavior in a boosting rocket is considered. The suspected source of the nonlinear behavior is the presence of Coulomb friction in the nozzle pivot mechanism. A classical sinusoidal describing function analysis is used to accurately recreate and predict the observed oscillatory characteristic. In so doing, insight is offered into the limit cycling mechanism and confidence is gained in the closed-loop system design. Nonlinear simulation results are further used to support and verify the results obtained from describing function theory. Insight into the limit cycling behavior is, in turn, used to adjust control system parameters in order to passively control the oscillatory tendencies. Tradeoffs with the guidance and control system stability/performance are also noted. Finally, active control of the limit cycling behavior, using a novel feedback algorithm to adjust the inherent nozzle sticking-unsticking characteristics, is considered.