Research

Our research is focused on bridging the scientific gaps between traditional computer science topics and aerospace engineering topics, while achieving a high degree of closure between theory and experiment.  We focus on machine learning and multi-agent systems, intelligent autonomous control, nonlinear control theory, vision based navigation systems, fault tolerant adaptive control, and cockpit systems and displays.  What sets our work apart is a unique systems approach and an ability to seamlessly integrate different disciplines such as dynamics & control, artificial intelligence, and bio-inspiration.  Our body of work integrates these disciplines, creating a lasting impact on technical communities from smart materials to General Aviation flight safety to Unmanned Air Systems (UAS) to guidance, navigation & control theory.  Our research has been funded by AFOSR, ARO, ONR, AFRL, ARL, AFC, NSF, NASA, FAA, and industry.

Autonomous and Nonlinear Control of Cyber-Physical Air, Space and Ground Systems

Vision Based Sensors and Navigation Systems

Cybersecurity for Air and Space Vehicles

Air Vehicle Control and Management

Space Vehicle Control and Management

Advanced Cockpit/UAS Systems and Displays

Control of Bio-Nano Materials and Structures

Pneumatic Vortex Control

Multi-Axis Pneumatic Vortex Control: Advanced Pneumatic Vortex Control For Aircraft

Air Force Office of Scientific Research
Air Force Research Laboratory
Total monies awarded as stipend while in-residence

Texas A&M University Research Enhancement Program
Total award $7,500

f-16xl  x-29
Pneumatic Vortex Control (PVC) is concerned with generating controlling forces and moments on aircraft by injecting small jets of gas (such as nitrogen or air) into the vehicle flowfield. The jets create vortices which, by the Von Kármán effect, reduce local pressures, thereby generating forces. Early full-scale research and flight testing used PVC on the X-29A (right) to generate forebody vortices for yaw control at high angles-of-attack. These tests validated the PVC concept, and subsequent research developed Model Predictive Variable Structure Controllers (MPVSC) and Fuzzy Logic Controllers for this aircraft. The ultimate expression of the PVC concept is full pneumatic control at high speeds and low angles-of-attack. This would be characterized by engine bleed air supplied PVC devices on the forebody, wing, and vertical tail completely replacing elevators, ailerons and rudders. Current research is focused upon extending the controllers developed for the X-29A, and developing new Neural Controllers for multi-axis PVC control of the F-16XL (left).

Working with me on this project are Graduate Research Assistants:

  • Praveen Joshi
  • Dai Ito