Nonlinear Dynamics and Control of Space Vehicles With Multiple Fuel Slosh Modes

This paper studies the modeling and control problem for planar maneuvering of space vehicles with fuel slosh dynamics. A multi-mass–spring model is considered for the characterization of the most prominent sloshing modes. The control inputs are defined by the gimbal deflection angle of a non-throttable thrust engine and a pitching moment about the center of mass of the spacecraft. The control objective, as is typical in a thrust vector control design for a liquid upper stage spacecraft during orbital maneuvers, is to control the translational velocity vector and the attitude of the spacecraft, while attenuating the sloshing modes characterizing the internal dynamics. Subsequently, a nonlinear mathematical model that reflects these specifications is derived. Finally, Lyapunov-based nonlinear feedback control laws are designed to achieve the control objective. A simulation example is included to illustrate the effectiveness of the control laws. --Fom the publisher\u27s website