Unstructured Uncertainty Based Modeling and Robust Stability Analysis of Textile-Reinforced Composites with Embedded Shape Memory Alloys

This paper develops the mathematical modeling and deflection control of a textile-reinforced composite integrated with shape memory actuators. The mathematical model of the system is derived using the identification method and an unstructured uncertainty approach. Based on this model and a robust stability analysis, a robust proportional–integral controller is designed for controlling the deflection of the composite. We showed that the robust controller depends significantly on the modeling of the uncertainty. The performance of the proposed controller is compared with a classical one through experimental analysis. Experimental results show that the proposed controller has a better performance as it reduces the overshoot and provide robustness to uncertainty. Due to the robust design, the controller also has a wide operating range, which is advantageous for practical applications.