Development of Human Describing Function Models for Nonlinear Control Elements

摘要

The purpose of the thesis is twofold. First, the usefulness of human pilot describing function models in nonlinear control systems was to be experimentally determined. Secondly, parameter adjustment rules which would extend the usefulness of the describing function models into the nonlinear region of operation were determined. The approach to this problem was to operate a pilot model and human tracker control system simultaneously with the same inputs and compare the performance of the two systems as nonlinear elements were introduced. Gaussian nonlinear describing function theory and existing pilot adjustment rules were used to predict model parameter adjustment changes as the level of saturation of the nonlinear elements were decreased. Where these prediction techniques failed, the necessary adjustment rules were experimentally determined. Saturation of the nonlinear elements were decreased. Where these prediction techniques failed, the necessary adjustment rules were experimentally determined. Saturation limiting and rate limiting were the nonlinearities employed with three controlled element characteristics. (Author)