Suboptimal shape control for quasi-static distributed-parameter systems

We propose an on-line control approach which will adjust the steady-state shape of a large antenna arbitrarily close to any achievable desired profile. The method makes use of distributed-parameter system theory and allows refocusing using a limited number of control actuators and sensors.The controller gains are calculated by approximating the solution to an infinite-dimensional optimal quasi-static control problem. The controller gain calculation is computationally simpler than that proposed in a companion paper. The Galerkin (finite element) approximation method is used for model reduction. We prove that both gain and state convergence can be achieved by using the proposed approximation scheme.This work was partially supported by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research, Grant No. AFOSR 83-0124, and by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Grant No. NAG-1-515.