MAE Seminar: "Novel and Computationally Efficient Control Algorithms for Stabilization in Aerial Transportation Systems"

Prof. Rama K. Yedavalli
Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
The Ohio State University

Friday, March 11, 2021 | 2:00 – 3:00 PM

Virtual via Zoom

Abstract

This presentation first gives an overview of the research carried out by Prof. Yedavalli and his group on stability and robustness of dynamic systems described by linear state space models with applications in electrical, aerospace and mechanical systems. Then, it focuses on some recent research with improved features in robust control systems analysis and design using an entirely new approach, labeled ‘Transformation Allergic (TA)’ approach. In particular, more recent results on getting convexity based necessary and sufficient conditions for the Hurwitz stability of a real matrix without the need for Routh-Hurwitz Characteristic Polynomial testing, which suffers from Eigenvalue Invariance constraints (coming from Similarity Transformations), are presented. The new TA approach is based on taking advantage of the sign pattern of the matrix, which is lacking in quantitative methods such as Routh Hurwitz and related tests. This TA approach-based results are shown to be not only computationally efficient (with significant savings) but also to pave the way for solving few long-standing unsolved problems such as static output feedback stabilization and robust stability of matrix families. Applications of these novel control algorithms to Aerial Transportation Systems, including traffic management and Urban Air Mobility are explored.

Bio

Dr. Yedavalli received his Ph.D. degree from the School of Aeronautics and Astronautics of Purdue University in the Dynamics and Control area in 1981. His Bachelor’s and Master’s degree were both from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, India. Recently he spent his sabbatical at IISc as the “Satish Dhawan Chaired Professor” and also at the University of California, Berkeley. He received the `Distinguished Alumnus Award’ in 2009 and the “Platinum Jubilee Award” in 2017 from IISc.

Dr. Yedavalli is a Fellow of IEEE, a Fellow of ASME, a Fellow of AAAS and an Associate Fellow of AIAA. He received the O. Hugo Schuck Best Paper award from the American Automatic Control Council in 2001. In 2002, he also received the `Lumley Research Award’ by the Ohio State University’s College of Engineering. He published two textbooks, one a graduate level book with Springer in Jan 2014 titled: “Robust Control of Uncertain Dynamic Systems: A Linear State Space Approach”, another at the Undergraduate level, titled: “Flight Dynamics and Control of Aero and Space Vehicles” with Wiley in February 2020.  He published close to 200 Journal, Book chapters and Conference papers and presented invited seminars on these topics. He served in the above professional societies and at OSU in various leadership roles.