Autopilot design of missile with input delay based on self-stable region approach

In this paper, the synthesis method, self-stable region (SSR) approach, is applied to uncertain and time delay system. The chattering phenomenon is the main drawback of sliding mode control (SMC), and the response delay of actuators is a primary cause. However, the existence of time delay is common in real world. The SSR approach is an improvement for SMC method. A simple second order system with input delay is taken as example to show the superiority of the SSR approach dealing with uncertainties and time delay. In contrast to the SMC method, the SSR approach avoids chattering essentially, and shows great tolerance for time delay. Considering the response delay of lateral thrusters, the SSR approach is applied to missile's autopilot design. The numerical simulation verifies that the SSR approach can succeed in tracking pitch angle command and decreasing the switching of lateral forces.