Modeling and Control of A Quad-Rotor Unmanned Aerial

ADDIS ABABA UNIVERSITY
SCHOOL OF GRADUATE STUDIES
ADDIS ABABA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
ELECTRICAL AND COMPUTER ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
Modeling and Control of a Quad-rotor Unmanned Aerial
Vehicle at Hovering Position
By
Ruth Tesfaye
Advisor
Ato Lebsework Negash
A Thesis Submitted to the School of Graduate Studies of Addis Ababa University in Partial
Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Masters of Science in Electrical Engineering
December, 2012
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

MODELING AND CONTROL OF A QUAD-ROTOR
Addis Ababa Institute of UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE AT HOVERING
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Abstract
This thesis titled Modeling and Control of a Quad-rotor Unmanned Aerial vehicle at hovering
Position by Ruth Tesfaye presents the study of modeling and control of quad-rotor Unmanned
Aerial vehicle (UAV) characteristics that could be used for any of its application.
Quad-rotor UAVs consist of two pairs of counter rotating rotors placed at the end of a cross
configuration; symmetrical body about the center of gravity that coincides with the origin of the
body frame of reference. The Newton-Euler formulation has been used to derive the defining
equations of motion of the system at hovering position i.e. the six degree-of-freedom. Based on
the verified model, control strategies were developed using linear PID controller and an LQR
controller. The PID controller was adopted as a reference control law from the work of A.ouladi
[1].
A numerical simulation was then conducted using MATLAB® Simulink®. First, the derived
model was simulated to verify the behavior of the quad-rotor for model verification, and then a
second simulation was conducted to determine the effectiveness of the developed control law.
The results and the interpretations of this study are then presented and discussed on their
respective areas.
Key words: Quad-rotor, PID controller, LQR controller, Hovering position, equilibrium Point
| Abstract i
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Table of Contents
Abstract ............................................................................................................................................ i
Table of Contents ............................................................................................................................ ii
List of Tables ................................................................................................................................. iv
List of Figures ................................................................................................................................ iv
List of Acronyms ............................................................................................................................ v
1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Background ...................................................................................................................... 1
1.2 Literature Review ............................................................................................................. 2
1.3 Statement of the Problem ................................................................................................. 4
1.4 Objective .......................................................................................................................... 4
1.5 Methodology .................................................................................................................... 5
1.6 Scope ................................................................................................................................ 5
1.7 Thesis Outline .................................................................................................................. 6
2 Overview of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle ................................................................................... 7
2.1 Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) ................................................................................ 9
2.2 Quad-rotor ...................................................................................................................... 10
2.2.1 Background on Quad-rotor ..................................................................................... 10
2.2.2 Research on Quad-rotors......................................................................................... 12
3 Modeling and Simulation ........................................................................................................ 15
3.1 Common Conventions .................................................................................................... 16
3.1.1 Frames of Reference ............................................................................................... 16
3.1.2 Rotation Matrix ....................................................................................................... 18
3.1.3 Transfer Matrix ....................................................................................................... 18
3.1.4 Assumptions............................................................................................................ 19
3.2 Basic forces .................................................................................................................... 19
3.3 Physical Effects .............................................................................................................. 20
3.4 Flight Conditions ............................................................................................................ 21
3.5 Quad-rotor Dynamics ..................................................................................................... 22
3.5.1 Principle of Operation ............................................................................................. 22
3.5.2 Equations of motion ................................................................................................ 28
3.6 Model Verification ......................................................................................................... 35
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4 Controller Design and Results ................................................................................................ 46

4.1 PID Controller ................................................................................................................ 46
4.2 LQR Controller .............................................................................................................. 49
4.2.1 Design using Pole Placement .................................................................................. 50
4.2.2 Design LQ-Servo feedback using LQR technique.................................................. 52
4.3 Disturbances Introduced ................................................................................................. 55
5 Conclusions and Recommendations ....................................................................................... 66
5.1 Contribution ................................................................................................................... 66
5.2 Conclusion...................................................................................................................... 66
5.3 Future Works .................................................................................................................. 68
6 References ............................................................................................................................... 69
Appendix ....................................................................................................................................... 71
A. Rotation Matrix .............................................................................................................. 71
B. Transfer Matrix .............................................................................................................. 73
C. Parameters of DraganFlyer IV ....................................................................................... 74
D. Details on Linearization ................................................................................................. 74
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List of Tables
Table 1-1: Methodology followed for this thesis ............................................................................ 5

Table 2-1: State of the Art Quad-rotors ........................................................................................ 13
List of Figures
Figure 2-1: Chinese Bamboo Dragon Fly Prototype ...................................................................... 7

Figure 2-2: Launoy and Bienvenu's model in 1783 ........................................................................ 8
Figure 2-3: Sir George Cayley’s first manned glider...................................................................... 8
Figure 2-4: The Breguet-Richet Gyroplane No.1-Quad-rotor of 1907 ......................................... 11
Figure 2-5: The De Bothezat Flying Octopus of 1923 and Oemichen’s quad-rotor of 1924 ....... 11
Figure 3-1: Steps followed in creating the model ......................................................................... 16
Figure 3-2: Inertial and Body Fixed Frame .................................................................................. 17
Figure 3-3: Ilustration about Thrust/Lift force.............................................................................. 20
Figure 3-4: Conceptual Diagram of a Quad-rotor......................................................................... 23
Figure 3-5: Thrust ......................................................................................................................... 24
Figure 3-6: Roll ............................................................................................................................. 25
Figure 3-7: Pitch ........................................................................................................................... 26
Figure 3-8: Yaw ............................................................................................................................ 27
Figure 3-9: Ascend (top), Descend (bottom) ................................................................................ 28
Figure 3-10: Generic State space model ....................................................................................... 34
Figure 3-11: Model as built in Simulink ....................................................................................... 35
Figure 3-12: Quad-rotor descending ............................................................................................. 38
Figure 3-13: Quad-rotor Ascending .............................................................................................. 39
Figure 3-14: Quad-rotor Hovering at zero equilibrium point ....................................................... 40
Figure 3-15: Quad-rotor Rolling to the right ................................................................................ 41
Figure 3-16: Force decomposition showing φ and Y drfit are coupled ...................................... 41
Figure 3-17: Quad-rotorpitching to forward ................................................................................. 43
Figure 3-18: Force decomposition showing that θ and X drift are coupled ................................. 43
Figure 3-19: Quad-rotor yawing to the clockwiseand hovering still at 8m .................................. 45
Figure 4-1: PID controller concept implemented in this work ..................................................... 47
Figure 4-2: PID Controller block .................................................................................................. 48
Figure 4-3: Stabilization of Altitude using a PID controller......................................................... 48
Figure 4-4: Stabilization of Euler Angles using PID controller ................................................... 49
Figure 4-5: State feedback /General LQR (u=-kx)/ ...................................................................... 50
Figure 4-6:LQR controller using pole placement in Simulink ..................................................... 51
Figure 4-7: Translational motion using pole placement Technique ............................................. 51
Figure 4-8:Rotational motion using pole placement Technique ................................................... 52
Figure 4-9:LQ-Servo feedback using LQR technique Simulink block ........................................ 54
Figure 4-10: Translational motion using LQ-servo feedback technique ...................................... 54
| Tables, Figures and Acronyms iv

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Figure 4-11: Rotational motion using LQ-Servo feedback technique .......................................... 55

Figure 4-12:Conceptual Diagram showing the craft in a windy environment.............................. 56
Figure 4-13: Disturbance model ................................................................................................... 57
Figure 4-14: Altitude and Attitude Stabilization with disturbance using PID controller ............. 58
Figure 4-15:Position stabilization after disturbance using LQR controller .................................. 59
Figure 4-16: Attitude Stabilization with disturbance using LQR controller................................. 60
Figure 4-17:Side Jerk to the X-axis and Z-axis ............................................................................ 61
Figure 4-18:Side Jerk Disturbance model..................................................................................... 62
Figure 4-19:Altitude and Attitude Stabilization with Jerking force to the Z-axis using PID
controller ....................................................................................................................................... 63
Figure 4-20: Position Stabilization with Side jerk to the X-axis using LQR controller ............... 64
Figure 4-21: Attitude Stabilization with Side jerk to the X-axis using LQR controller ............... 65
List of Acronyms
ARE Algebraic Riccati Equation

BFF Body Fixed Frame
CoG Center of Gravity
CCW Counter Clock wise
CW Clock wise
DoF Degree of Freedom
IF Inertial Frame
LQR Linear Quadratic Regulator
PID Proportional, Integrator and Derivative
SISO Single Input Single Output
UAV Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
VTOL Vertical Take Off and Landing
| Tables, Figures and Acronyms v

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1 Introduction
This chapter provides a general overview on the background, goal, methodology and
the layout of the thesis.
1.1 Background
The need of robots replacing humans in precarious and inaccessible areas has been the spot of
interest for many researches in different industries; one of these interesting research areas is the
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). They have been studied and implemented for different
applications so far, such as power line fault detection, surveillance, reconnaissance, target
acquisition, agricultural spraying etc. [2]
UAVs have two main types of configurations, i.e. fixed wing UAV and rotor craft UAV. The
fixed wing aircrafts travel long range and are capable of flying at high altitude but lack
maneuverability vital for UAVs. On the other hand, rotorcrafts have advantages such as
maneuverability capabilities; hovering over targets, taking off and landing in limited spaces as
compared to fixed wing vehicles which have a conventional type of taking off and landing
requiring a runway. [3]
In this thesis, a quad-rotor which is classified as a rotorcraft is studied. It is an aircraft lifted and
propelled by four rotors. It uses fixed-pitch blades, whose rotor pitch does not vary as the
blades rotate. Control of motion of a quad-rotor can be achieved by varying the relative speed
of each rotor to change the thrust and torque produced by each. Quad-rotor from the rotorcraft
category is chosen for some of the applications mentioned above due to its simplicity in
construction, ease of maintenance and an uncomplicated dynamics compared to a standard
helicopter using a main and tail rotor. [4]
| Introduction 1
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1.2 Literature Review
Different literatures have approached the research of quad-rotor UAV in different ways and
some of them are discussed here below briefly.
In the paper by Hugo Meric [5], Newton-Euler and also the Lagrange-Euler equations were
used for modeling the translational and rotational equations of motion respectively. Attitude
and altitude stabilization has been achieved using four independent PD controllers while a
reinforcement learning controlling algorithm has been used for comparison for the altitude
controller. Despite having the advantage of easier implementation and better settling time the
PD controllers did not have better stability results compared to the latter controller.
A.Ouladi, [1], formulated the equations of motion that govern the dynamics of the craft
mathematically using the Newton-Euler mechanics. PID controller has been used to stabilize the
yaw angle and the altitude on a square wave trajectory. It is recommended that the other DoF
determining its position in space be also stabilized for a better outcome in controlling the
motion of the craft.
In the literature by Yoon [6] , it has been already exhibited that the craft is capable to fly with a
PID controller; model has been established using the Euler-Lagrange equations and validated.
The validation in hover mode was satisfactory for designing an optimal control such as LQR.
This controller has been used to stabilize the attitude for near stationary flight.
Recommendations are to include an altitude controller and to have knowledge of its space
orientation (i.e. position controller).
S.Bouabdallah, A.Noth and R.Siegwart, [7] , have used the Newton Euler formulation for
modeling. PID and LQR controllers have been compared for stabilizing the attitude of the UAV.
The latter controller has a better performance but takes a long time to settle. Future work is to
enhance the autonomous flight by including the stability of position.
| Introduction 2
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In the work by Birkan Tunc, [8], the mathematical model was generally deduced from the
Newton-Euler mechanism. Fuzzy logic was used as control mechanism and first of the angular
subsystem was stabilized using 3 independent fuzzy logic controllers while the altitude was
controlled with the realization of the control input using fuzzy logic controller. The three
independent Fuzzy Logic Controllers are setup with 9 rules. Increasing rules increases the
computation time hence, minimum number of rules is used. To control a quad-rotor UAV
successfully outdoor one has to consider the disturbances which arise from the atmospheric
conditions such as wind gusts this could be taken as an input for future work.
The work by M.Raju Hossain, [9], presents a dynamic model of such a vehicle using bond
graphs. The bond graph that is produced here follows the Newton-Euler formalism which has
been widely used for modeling this kind of helicopter. Initially to explore the performance of
the model, open loop simulation was performed. The simulation demonstrates the flight
maneuver which satisfies the theoretical trajectories that the quad-rotor is supposed to perform
at certain combinations of the rotor thrust. Possible extensions to the controller might involve
control of its position or co-ordinates in space that may lead the model to be even more accurate
and practical.
Tommaso Bresciani, [10], also derived the mathematical model of the quad-rotor using the
Newton Euler Formulation. Two levels of controller were implemented i.e. the low level
controller and the high level controller. The low level controller’s goal was the stabilization of
the height and attitude whereas the high level controller is cascaded with the previous
controller to follow for position requirements. Other tasks, computed by the high level
controller, can be obstacle avoidance and trajectory planning. For future aerodynamic effects
could be considered for stabilization during a non-hovering operation.
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1.3 Statement of the Problem
Different papers have recommendations for future work for the quad-rotor configuration UAV.
Recommendations from the literatures mentioned in the previous section, shall suffice as a
ground breaking for the work to be carried out in this thesis. The controller algorithms to be
used in this work are from the above mentioned literatures and will carry out to achieve the
performances that have been recommended.
So the main work of this thesis is to overcome some of the inadequacies or accomplish the
recommendations; these are lack of environment disturbances [8], lack of knowledge of its
position in space [9], [1], [6], [7] and lack of adaptability for the case of non-hovering operation
[10].
Hence, this work will be looking into the following two recommendations these are the lack of
environmental disturbances and lack of knowledge of its position in space by the use of an
appropriate modeling technique with an appropriate controller.
1.4 Objective
General Objective
 Understanding the dynamics of a quad-rotor
 Choose a comprehensible modeling technique
 Design a controller to stabilize the craft at hovering position.
 Design a controller to stabilize the craft at hovering position after disturbances have
been introduced.
Specific Objective
 Linearize the model to a hovering equilibrium point
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 Simulate model with MATLAB-Simulink for verification
 Design Controller based on the linearized model
 Introduce disturbances and stabilize craft back to hovering position
1.5 Methodology
Table 1-1: Methodology followed for this thesis
Methodology Tasks (in Detail)
Literature View Reading books, articles, forums, simulation
tools related to the subject matter
System Modeling Formulating the mathematical relation of
the dynamics (motion) of the quad-rotor.
Controller Design Designing an appropriate controller based
on the model formulated.
Simulation Simulation of the modeled dynamics and
controller using MATLAB -Simulink
Analysis and Interpretation Analysis and interpretation of the result
Performance Comparison Compare results between different control
algorithms
1.6 Scope
In this work the dynamics of quad-rotor shall be studied and a mathematical model will be
formulated using the Newton-Euler formalism; based on the model a control law will be
designed to stabilize the craft at hovering position. PID controller is chosen as a benchmark
control algorithm which is adapted from the literature [1] where later it will be used for
comparison of performance.
| Introduction 5
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The parameter of the quad-rotor for simulation is adopted from a literature that uses a
commercially available radio controlled craft called Draganflyer X4 manufactured by
Dragaflyer Innovations Inc. [11] Included in Appendix C
The outcome of this research shall be based on the simulation of the proposed techniques using
a simulation tool (MATLAB or any other that is available).
1.7 Thesis Outline
Chapter 2 deals with an overview and essential concepts about flight, unmanned aerial vehicles
with depth about quad-rotor and a summary about state of the art quad-rotors researched
recently.
Chapter 3 discusses about common terminologies and conventions used at the beginning of the
modeling phase. The model (equations of motion) is derived by using the Newton-Euler
formalism and finally verification of the model is shown in the MATLAB-Simulink
environment.
Chapter 4 presents the control law designed to stabilize the UAV at hovering position by using
PID and LQR controller.
Chapter 5 provides the conclusion drawn and recommendations for future work.
References used in this work are presented in numerical order; additional concepts and some
other materials that are relevant to this work are included in appendix.
| Introduction 6
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2 Overview of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
This chapter provides a general overview about how flying started. It discusses
about general points on UAVs, background on quad-rotors and the recent state of
the art versions of the rotorcraft.
"The idea of a vehicle that could lift itself vertically from the ground and hover motionless in
the air was probably born at the same time that man first dreamed of flying." Igor Ivanovitch
Sikorsky [12]. With this dream man has reached to the summit of different types of aircrafts.
Aircrafts are vehicles that fly by gaining support from the air. Broadly, they are classified as
manned aircraft (onboard pilot) and unmanned aircraft (aerial vehicles that may be remotely
controlled or self-controlled); might also be classified by different criteria such as lift type,
propulsion, usage and others. Lift involving wings is common to fixed-wing aircrafts and for
rotorcrafts wing shaped rotors are spun. [13]
Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) is a type of lift where rotorcrafts are classified to; this
emerged from Chinese toys (top) which were the first form of man-made flying objects
invented around 500 BC in China. Succeeding the tops kites were the earliest known record
of flight around 200 BC in China when a General flew over enemy territory to calculate the
length of tunnel required to enter the region. [13]
Figure 2-1: Chinese Bamboo Dragon Fly Prototype
The earliest versions of the Chinese top consisted of feathers or bamboo (horizontal bar) at
the end of a stick, which was rapidly spun between the hands to generate lift and then
| Overview of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle 7

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released into free flight Figure 2-1. Observations and Fascinations of Chinese tops have led a
pioneering development to the world of flights and aircrafts. Figure 2-2 shows a coaxial
version of the Chinese top in a model consisting of a counter rotating set of turkey feathers
created by the French naturalist Launoy and Bienvenu in 1783. [13]
Figure 2-2: Launoy and Bienvenu's model in 1783
Sir George Cayley’s“Father of Aviation” fascination with flight of the Chinese top led him to
design and construct a whirling-arm device in 1804, which was probably one of the first
scientific attempts to study the aerodynamic forces produced by lifting wings. The first
heavier-than-air craft capable of controlled free-flight were gliders Figure 2-3. A glider
designed by Cayley carried out the first true manned, controlled flight in 1853. [14]
Figure 2-3: Sir George Cayley’s first manned glider
Within the last sixty years, rotorcrafts have come a long way emerging from unstable,
vibrating contraptions to be capable of VTOL, hover, fly foreword, backward and sideways
performing desirable maneuvers. Its civilian roles encompass air ambulance, sea and
mountain rescue, crop dusting, firefighting, police surveillance, corporate services, and oil-
rig servicing. Military roles of the helicopter are troop transport, mine-sweeping, battlefield

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surveillance, assault, anti-tank missions and also used in various air-ground and air-sea
rescue operations. [12]
2.1 Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)
According to the free dictionary UAV is defined as “powered, aerial vehicle that does not
carry a human operator, uses aerodynamic forces to provide vehicle lift, can fly
autonomously or be piloted remotely, can be expendable or recoverable, and can carry a
lethal or non-lethal payload.”
UAVs come in two varieties: [15]
 Controlled from a remote location (which may even be many thousands of
kilometers away, on another continent)
 Fly autonomously based on pre-programmed flight plans using more complex
dynamic automation systems.
UAVs have two main types of configurations i.e. fixed wing UAV and rotary wing UAV.
The fixed wing aircrafts travel long range and are capable of flying at high altitude but lack
maneuverability vital for UAVs, whereas rotorcrafts have simple dynamics and
maneuverability capabilities.
Rotorcrafts have the advantage of maneuverability, hovering over targets, taking off and
landing in limited spaces as compared to fixed wing vehicles which have a conventional
type of taking off and landing requiring a runway.
UAVs are largely applied in the military sector. They perform reconnaissance as well as
attack missions; also used in a small but growing number of civil applications, such as
firefighting or nonmilitary security work, such as surveillance of pipelines, power line
inspection.

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UAVs fall into one of six functional categories: [15]
 Target and decoy – providing ground and aerial gunnery a target that simulates an
enemy aircraft or missile
 Reconnaissance – providing battlefield intelligence
 Combat – providing attack capability for high-risk missions
 Logistics –designed for cargo and logistics operation
 Research and development – used to further develop UAV technologies to be
integrated into field deployed UAV aircraft
 Civil and Commercial –specifically designed for commercial aerial surveillance,
search and rescue, oil, gas and mineral exploration and production, transport of
goods
2.2 Quad-rotor
A recent platform that UAVs have been more in action is the quad-rotor. It has been
in the picture ever since 1907 with the invention of the Breguet brothers which is
looked over in the next sub-section.
2.2.1 Background on Quad-rotor
French scientist and academician Charles Richet built a small unpiloted helicopter at the
beginning of the 20th century. Albeit the failure of the machine; it inspired one of his
students who later conducted helicopter experiments with his brother under the guidance of
Professor Richet. [14]
In 1907, the Breguet Brothers; Louis and Jacques Breguet built their first human carrying
helicopter; they called it the Breguet-Richet Gyroplane No.1, which was a quad-rotor shown
in Figure 2-4. Clearly they approached the problem of the helicopter more scientifically than
others and thought hard about a configuration that most likely would succeed. It consisted
of four long girders made of welded steel tubes and arranged in the form of a horizontal
cross. Each rotor consisted of four light, fabric covered biplane type blades, giving a total of

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32 separate lifting surfaces. The rotors were placed at each of the four corners of the cross.
Diagonally opposite pairs of rotors rotated in opposite directions, thereby canceling torque
reaction on the airframe. [14]
Figure 2-4: The Breguet-Richet Gyroplane No.1-Quad-rotor of 1907
After the Breguet brothers, George de Bothezat built an experimental quad-rotor
helicopter shown in Figure 2-5; for the United States Army Air Service in the early
1920s which was also known as the de Bothezat helicopter. Even though its massive
six-bladed rotors allowed the craft to successfully fly, it suffered from complexity,
control difficulties, and high pilot workload, and was reportedly only capable of
forwards flight in a favorable wind. The Army canceled the program in 1924, and the
aircraft was scrapped. [13]
Etienne Oemichen’s design was successful enough that it became the first rotorcraft
to complete 1 km closed circuit flight having the four main rotors featuring five
additional rotors for lateral stability Figure 2-5. [14]
Figure 2-5: The De Bothezat Flying Octopus of 1923 and Oemichen’s quad-rotor of 1924

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Quad-rotors thus far mentioned are classified as the first generation quad-rotors which were
designed to carry one or more passengers where the recent generations are commonly
designed to be UAVs and their research begun in early 21st century. [13]
2.2.2 Research on Quad-rotors
Within the last decade universities, students and researchers have inclined their interest in
quad-rotor configuration for design and control projects of UAVs. Most of these projects
were initiated by hobbyists on commercially available radio controlled toys.
In most cases of researched quad-rotor configuration UAVs the procedure of reaching to the
outcome is more or less the same i.e. a modeling technique is selected to define the system
mathematically and then a control law is designed. Various modeling techniques and
control laws are used on different literatures; and one mathematical modeling technique is
chosen based on the technique chosen or matter of the subject studied, finally based on the
model the appropriate control is applied.
Some of the modeling techniques and control law used in different projects, researches and
their outcome for quad-rotor configuration is described in Table 2-1.
Modeling technique and Control law used for this work are discussed in chapter 3 and
chapter 4 respectively.

MODELING AND CONTROL OF A QUAD-ROTOR UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE AT
Addis Ababa Institute of Technology HOVERING POSITION
Table 2-1: State of the Art Quad-rotors

Project Name Institution Project (in picture) Remarks
DraganFlyer Dragan Innovations Inc. [11]

Commercial
Humming Bird Ascending Technologies GmbH [16]
 Independent PD controller for the directly actuated

DoF
STARMAC Stanford University  Linearized equations of motion to develop control laws
for waypoint tracking paths. [17]
 Dynamics has been expressed using Newton-Euler

Formulation
University of Alberta
 Cerebellar Model Articulation Controller (Neural
Quad-rotor
Network)
University of Calgary
 Position and angles are stabilized [18]
 Newton-Euler Formalism for modeling

 Integral Backstepping control
OS4 ETH Zurich, Switzerland  Autonomous takeoff and landing has been achieved
[19]

Project Name Institution Project (in picture) Remarks

 Large quad-rotor platform with flapping blades
 Attitude dynamics was used for tuning the mechanical
design
 Successfully regulates attitude at low rotor speeds. [20]
X4 Flyer Mark II Australia National University

 Adopted the ANU quad-rotor structure
 Euler-Lagrange Formulation
 PD Controller
 Attitude and Altitude stabilization has been achieved
[21] [22]
 Newton-Euler Formulation
Quad-rotor Test  Fuzzy logic controller
Ottawa University
bed  Stabilized attitude and position [3]
 Adopted this craft from Dragan Innovations Inc.

 Euler-Lagrange equations used for mathematical
DraganFlyer V modeling
Commercial
Ti  PD controller has been implemented for the altitude
and attitude [22]

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3 Modeling and Simulation
This chapter addresses the general, common and particular characteristics and behaviors of
a quad-rotor. It shows the relation between the governing forces, torques and others that
affect their kinematics and dynamics.
'Modeling is the development of equations, constraints, and logic rules, while simulation is the
exercising of the model'- Ingels
Modeling and Simulation are fundamental tools in control engineering which are used in
process of designing a new system, improving an already existing system or a model for
which a controller has to be designed for.
Models are of different types to mention a few they could be verbal, action lists to be done,
mathematical expressions or computer programs. Hence, from a control engineering point of
view the type of model used is a mathematical model which is a representation of symbols,
their meaning and manipulation of its exemplification by rules of logic and relating to a
system’s characterization [23]. These types of models are based essentially on the knowledge
of the parameters important for that particular task.
There are also different types of simulations in relation to aircraft; the simulations could be
for mission, surveillance, combat, dynamics, aerodynamics etc. from the point of the
modeler.
In this thesis the Newton-Euler formulation is used to derive the equations of motions and
has been verified in MATLAB-Simulink environment.
| Modeling and Simulation 15

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Figure 3-1 shows the steps followed in creating the model for a quad-rotor.
Figure 3-1: Steps followed in creating the model
3.1 Common Conventions
3.1.1 Frames of Reference
To define a position in a space a coordinate frame (system) should be defined [24]. A
coordinate frame is defined by two things; one its origin should be specified in space and the
other is its orientation should be specified. For this work, two frames of reference are used in
order to define the position and orientation of the quad-rotor.
Unlike conventional rotorcrafts that use complex mechanisms to change blade pitch to direct
thrust and steer the craft, the quad-rotor employs a much simpler differential thrust
mechanism to control roll, pitch, and yaw. In order to track these attitude angles and
changes to them while the craft is in motion, the use of two coordinate systems is required.
[25]

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One frame of reference is the inertial frame (IF) where it is considered to be stationary or
moves with constant velocity. However, with respect to the second frame of reference which
is the body fixed frame (BFF) i.e. the frame defined for the body at hand; it moves with a
velocity of same magnitude but opposite in direction shown in Figure 3-2. The latter
coordinate frame represents a rotating frame which follows the classical mechanics of
Newton’s law for angular motion.
The orientations of both frames is a North, East and Down convention which is a standard of
aviation and both follow the right hand rule. Euler Angles (φ, θ, ψ) are used to describe the
orientation of the rotating body fixed frame with respect to the inertial frame.
Figure 3-2: Inertial and Body Fixed Frame
The fore-arm that has a yellow mark indicates the front part of the body.

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3.1.2 Rotation Matrix
A scheme of orienting a body to a desired orientation involves rotating three times
successively about the axis of the body fixed frame. The sequence of rotating the body from
BFF to IF results in a rotation matrix with a 1-2-3 sequence where the body is rotated from
the Z-axis first and then the Y axis and finally the X-axis. The most powerful feature of the
rotation matrix is its ability to directly project an arbitrary vector from one frame of
reference to another.
3-1
[ ]
Cθ represents cosθ whereas Sθ represents sinθ. The Rotation matrix is used to relate the
motions expressed in body-fixed frame with respect to the inertial frame.
Details of the successive rotations from the rotating frame to inertial frame are shown in
Appendix A.
3.1.3 Transfer Matrix
This is the matrix used to relate the body angular rates to inertial angular rates; determined
by taking the inverses of the individual rotations of the x and y axis.
[ ] 3-2
Details to the derivation of this matrix are shown in Appendix B.

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3.1.4 Assumptions
The quad-rotor is quite easily modeled as a cross configuration with four rotors. The
assumptions considered for modeling as listed as follows: [4], [10] etc.
 The propellers axes of rotation are fixed and parallel and the blades are fixed
pitch. This assumption points out that the structure is rigid and the only things
that vary are the propeller speeds.
 The cross configuration is symmetrical which points that the inertia tensor is a
diagonal matrix and the inertia about the x-axis and the y-axis are equal.
 Centre of Gravity (CoG) and the body frame origin are assumed to coincide
 Interaction with ground or other surfaces is neglected
 Euler angles rates and body angular rates are considered equal near hover
3.2 Basic forces
Understanding the forces that affect the flight of aerial vehicles gives a clear picture about
their dynamics. Generally, there are four basic forces that make the flight happen despite of
the rotors that keep the vehicle up in the air. These forces push up, drag down, push
forward and also slow the vehicle down and namely they are thrust, weight, lift and drag.
Thrust: is a force that moves the vehicle in the direction of motion; in our case for a
rotorcraft it lifts it vertically and for a fixed wing it moves it forward overcoming the drag
force which is considered as a frictional force. The increased speed of air flow on the upper
surface produces decreased pressure and increases the pressure below the air foil.
Combination of the differential pressure on both sides of the propeller generates an upward
lift/thrust. [26]

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Figure 3-3: Ilustration about Thrust/Lift force
Weight: attraction by the gravitational force at the center of mass of the vehicle by the earth.
Lift: this force opposes the gravitational force; produced by the dynamic effect of air
particles affecting the wings both on fixed-wing aircrafts and rotorcrafts.
Drag: is the force caused by difference in air pressure and friction i.e. it tends to slow an
object. There are different kinds of drag forces namely, induced drag, form drag and Friction
drag. The induced drag and Form drag are categorized under a pressure drag whereas the
form drag and the friction drag are categorized under parasite drag. Form drag is a part of
the parasite drag that is meant to say the drag that is not created due to friction. The
pressure drag in general is due to a pressure against the surface.
3.3 Physical Effects
Physical effects are those forces or effects that arise because of the rotational nature of the
craft. These effects mainly arise from the rotors, body movements in relation to the rotational
reference frame whereas the other physical effect that has an impact on the motion is due to
external environment.
Body Gyro effect: this effect is due to the centrifugal and coriolis forces that arise due to the
cross coupling of the angular speeds.

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Actuators action: this is the core effect that imposes on the dynamics and motion of the craft
and action caused due to the variation of the propeller speeds which let the craft attain the
desired orientation, height and position.
Disturbance: this has an impact in the dynamics of the craft by creating an imbalance in the
motion and disorientation in the angles. It is generally caused usually through external
environments.
3.4 Flight Conditions
 Stationary (hover) flight
Hovering is the flight condition where the rotorcraft UAV is in a stationary flight over a
particular area (target); it generates its own gusty air but relatively to the surrounding wind
it’s low and very little aerodynamic forces act on it. It is usually called the challenging flight
in flying a rotorcraft since it is against gravity, fuselage and flight control surfaces. This is
the flight condition that will be addressed in this thesis. [27]
 Translational flight
This flight is between the hovering and cruising flight. This flight takes effect when the
rotorcraft translates from a stationary flight to cruising flight where a translational lift takes
place without power increase. [27]
 Cruising (Forward) flight
In contrast to the hovering flight here aerodynamic forces take effect; enable it to move
forward. Forward motion is achieved in contrast to translational flight i.e. power is
increased while maintaining airspeed whereas decreasing the power induces movement in
the drag position. This flight condition is achieved the same for both rotorcraft and fixed-
wing types. [27]

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3.5 Quad-rotor Dynamics
In this section the key points that describe the behavior of UAVs and particularly quad-rotor
is discussed.
Commonly UAVs including Quad-rotors are characterized by under actuated and coupled
dynamics. Under actuated because they have six degrees of freedom (3 rotational and 3
translations) but have four actuated DoF and that the translational and rotational dynamics
are coupled.
The equations of motion are governed by Newtonian mechanics and their evaluation is done
through the appropriate choice of modeling technique i.e. Newton-Euler formulation.
3.5.1 Principle of Operation
A quad-rotor, as shown in the Figure 3-4, is a rotary wing UAV consisting of four rotors
located at the ends of a cross (X) structure. Flight of quad-rotor is controlled by varying
speed of each rotor. They have fixed-pitch blades and all their propellers axes of rotation are
fixed and parallel. The assumptions that the structure is symmetrical and rigid point out that
the only things that vary are the speeds of the propellers. Thus, the four basic movements
(Lift/Thrust force, torque of Roll, torque of pitch and torque of yaw) are the targets that
enable it to reach certain height and attitude. [10], [3]

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Figure 3-4: Conceptual Diagram of a Quad-rotor
As illustrated by the figure above, the top right rotor (Front) and bottom left rotor (Back)
pair rotate in a clockwise direction, while the bottom right rotor (Right) and top left rotor
(Left) pair rotate in a counter-clockwise direction. This configuration is devised in order to
balance the drag created by each of the spinning rotor pairs; also enables balancing out of
the reaction torques of the body due to the rotation of the propellers.
Behavior of a quad-rotor is depicted through the use of mathematical modeling, where this
model is further used to develop a control law that results in achieving the desired motion.
The kinematics and dynamics need to be first derived to fully formulate the mathematical
model. [24]

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The basic movements are described here: [10]
Altitude
This movement is portrayed by increasing (or decreasing) all propeller speeds (ω)
simultaneously with the same rate. This leads to increasing or decreasing the thrust resulting
in the raise or lowering of the quad-rotor vertically by overcoming the gravity respectively.
Figure 3-5: Thrust
The thrust generated is the total sum of all thrusts generated by the propellers; exactly
canceling out the effect of gravity and velocity being zero at that instant. This is due to the
equal propeller speed generation, ωH1, which allows the craft to maintain hovering position.
In Figure 3-5 and the forthcoming figures the basic movements are shown by illustrating the
rotor speed through vector size. Size with a very bold arrow shows speed above average, the
size which is small represents speed below average and average speed shown by a normal
length of a line vector.
1
Hovering speed
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Roll
The movement roll is generated by increasing (or decreasing) the speed of the top left
propeller (ω4) and by decreasing (or increasing) the speed of the bottom right propeller (ω2).
A torque with respect to the BFF x-axis is generated where the quad-rotor turns with a roll
(φ) angle. Keeping the thrust constant; roll motion can be achieved by manipulating the
speeds of the bottom right and top left propellers. In the figure the arrow pointing to the left
and right portrays the direction of the coupled translational motion.
Figure 3-6: Roll
Pitch
The pitch movement is achieved by increasing (or decreasing) the bottom left propeller
speed (ω3) or by decreasing (or increasing) its pair propeller speed (ω1). A torque with
respect to the BFF y-axis is generated where the quad-rotor turns with a pitch angle (θ).
While it’s hovering pitch motion can be achieved by manipulating the speeds of the bottom
left and top right propellers keeping the thrust constant. This movement is very similar to
the roll motion with the manipulation of the other pair of propellers comes into action. In the

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figures below also here the arrow pointing from rotor 1 and 3 are the directions of the
coupled translational motion.
Figure 3-7: Pitch
Yaw
Increasing (or decreasing) the speed of the first pair i.e. top right and the bottom left (ω1 &
ω3) and decreasing (or increasing) the speed of the other pair (ω2 & ω4) generates this
movement. With this movement a torque with respect to the BFF z-axis is achieved where
the quad-rotor turns clockwise (CW) or counter clockwise (CCW). The total thrust is the
same as in hovering; but the total torque is unbalanced hence the quad-rotor turns itself
around the z-axis of the body-fixed frame.

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Figure 3-8: Yaw
It should be noted that whenever a thrust differential causes the quad-rotor to pitch or roll,
the total thrust vector decreases because it is inclined away from the vertical i.e. the thrust
vector is then resolved into horizontal and vertical component, which leads the quad-rotor
to descend. [28]
Ascend and Descend
By increasing or decreasing the thrust from each rotor by the same amount altitude is
controlled but the total torque on the body remains zero.
( )
Above average speed enables ascending

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( )
Below average speed enables descending
Figure 3-9: Ascend (top), Descend (bottom)
In section 3.6 the basic four movements mentioned above shall be verified together with the
depicted model of the dynamic system.
3.5.2 Equations of motion
Equations of motion of physical dynamic systems such as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
(UAVs) are described by the Newton-Euler formalism; the common and important
terminology used in describing these motions is the definition of the frame of reference
discussed in the previous section.
Two frames of reference are used for the dynamics; one that is fixed (inertial frame) and the
other fixed to the body of the quad-rotor (body-fixed frame). Rotation matrix is used to
correctly apply Newton’s laws of motion since almost all measures are with respect to the
body-fixed frame except gravity, thus, this matrix is used to relate the motions expressed in
body-fixed frame with respect to the inertial frame.
North-East-Down convention was chosen for the frames of reference as it complies with
standard aviation system and satisfies the right hand rule.
The Euler angles (φ, θ, ψ), angular velocities, linear position and linear velocities makeup
the attitude w.r.t the BFF and relationship of the quad-rotor w.r.t the IF respectively making
up twelve state variables.
[ ̇ ̇ ̇ ̇ ̇ ̇] 3-3

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In Equation 3-3; ( ̇ ̇ ̇ ) are the 6 state variables that make up the attitude of the
craft with respect to the body fixed frame and the rest 6 state variables i.e. ( ̇ ̇ ̇)
define the relationship of the craft with the inertial frame; these include the physical location
of the craft within the inertial coordinate system along each of its principal axes including
the velocities in these directions.
Understanding and accounting for the various forces and moments induced on the quad-
rotor is important in order to create an accurate model. With the general Newton’s law of
motion, individual forces and moments are defined for each degree of freedom and full
equations of motion of the quad-rotor can be determined by using the Newton-Euler
formalism.
[ ] [ ][ ]
3-4
[ ] [ ][ ]
For a rotating frame of reference it is common that centrifugal and coriolis forces arise due to
rotation according to the laws of motion by Newton; these forces do not arise if the frame of
reference is at rest. [29]
Generally, the equation below relates the rates of change of any vector in a fixed and
rotating frame; also as seen from [24], [29] applies to any vector quantity and is fundamental
importance to dynamic problems where a rotating reference frame is involved.
⃗ ⃗
{ } { } ⃗⃗ ⃗⃗⃗ 3-5
The concept behind the equation written above is that; as the unit vector r fixed in the
reference (body fixed) frame U rotates with an angular velocity ⃗⃗⃗ with respect to A

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(inertial) reference frame. The rate of change of the unit vector r is caused only by ⃗⃗⃗ and it
must be normal to both the unit vector and angular velocity
Here the rotation and translation matrices in a BFF are combined and based on Equation
(3-6) the coriolis terms/forces are picked up when the linear velocities are crossed (vector
product) with the angular velocities.
The Newton –Euler Equation [10] that is used to derive the equations of motion is written
below.
⃗ ⃗
3-6
3
2 ( )
][ ̇ ]
[ [ ]
(a,b)
[ ]
̇ ( )
Since weight is force and not torque it only affects the translational motion and below it is
expressed w.r.t the BFF.
4 3-7
[ ]
The Euler rates w.r.t the IF and the body-axis rates w.r.t the BFF are related using the
transfer matrix.
2
I3x3 indicates an identity matrix which has a 3 by 3 dimension
3
Superscript B indicates the variables w.r.t the BFF.
4
The inverse of the rotation matrix is equal to its transpose because the matrix is orthonormal.
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̇ ̇
[ ̇ ] [ ̇]5
̇ ̇ 3-8
The generic form of Force and Torque of a 6 DoF rigid body [4] is described here:
3-9
For now the aerodynamic forces and the disturbance forces are neglected; and the
acceleration of the quad-rotor (both the linear and angular accelerations) is determined by
substituting equations (coriolis and the movement vectors) into the generic equation.
Generally the governing equations of motion as defined in the body fixed frame are written
here below:
̈ ̇ ̇ ̇ ̇
[ ̈] [ ] [ ] [ ̇ ̇ ̇ ̇]
̈ ̇ ̇ ̇ ̇
3-10
⁄
̈ ( ) ̇ ̇
[ ̈ ] [( ) ̇ ̇] [ ] ⁄
̈ ( ) ̇ ̇
[ ][ ⁄ ]
In Equation 3-10, we see the equations of motion described in the body fixed frame.
The maneuvers executed by the quad-rotor are resultants from the manipulation of the
thrust and drag moment created by the four rotors. The thrust (b) and drag (d) coefficients
are derived from the blade element theory from the work of [19] and (l) is the length of the
[ ] [ ]

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arm between the CoG and the tip where rotor is placed. The parameters have the
relationship shown in equation 3-11 .
3-11
Equation (3-11) shows that by controlling the rotational speed of the motors one can
effectively control the rotorcraft; hence, the following actions of movements were chosen as
the control inputs. [21]
( ) ( )
( ) ( ) 3-12
( ) ( ) (a,b,c,d)
( ) ( )
It is quite easier to express the dynamics in inertial frame for control in particular for the
position and the rotational has no significance difference when expressed in inertial frame
since the transfer matrix that relates the angular body rates to the angular rates in the inertial
frame is equivalent to an identity matrix since the craft is in hovering position; hence,
remains the same. Therefore; the model (governing equations) expressed in inertial frame is
outlined in the equation below:
̇ ( ) 3-13
̇
̈ ( ( ) )
̇
̈ ( ( ) ) ) 3-14
̇
[ ̈] [ ((( ) ) ) ]

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̇ ( )
̇ ̇
̈
̇ 3-15
( ) ̇ ̇
̈
̇
( )
[ ̈ ] ̇ ̇
[ ]
Equations 3-14 and 3-15 show the equations of motion with respect to the inertial frame.
Reducing the model to a suitable format for the controller is linearizing the equations of
motion at an operating point where the craft is hovering. While the craft is in hovering
position the angles particularly the roll and pitch angles should be stabilized i.e. both angles
should be zero so that there would be no movement in the x and y translational motion since
they are coupled; whereas the lateral (x-), longitudinal (y-), altitude (z-) and the orientation
(yaw angle ψ-) could be a constant. For this work, the equilibrium point taken and the
assumed operating point; written below in equation (3-16) and at this operating point the
governing equations of motion are deduced.
[ ]
[ ] 3-16
(a , b)
[ ]
where at hovering
xeq and ueq are the equilibrium points where the craft is linearized at hovering position.
Using the above operating point; the state space form of the equations of motion is
̇
3-17
Where;

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[ ]
3-18
(a,b,c)
[ ]
[ ]
Figure 3-10: Generic State space model

3.6 Model Verification
In the previous section it has been understood what the principle of operation of a quad-rotor UAV are and the equations of motion has been
based on the Newton-Euler formulation. Here it has been tried to show whether the model adheres to the concepts pointed out in the operation
and faithfully respond to the inputs it is commanded with. As it can be seen from Figure 3-11; the model is shown using a Simulink block
modeling scheme.
4
3
2 3
Figure 3-11: Model as built in Simulink

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From left to right here the model is divided into four parts; these are described as follows:
Block 1: shows that there are about four constant blocks which have held the speed of the
propeller which is an essential input to the dynamics from which the Thrust, torque of roll,
torque of Pitch and torque of yaw are calculated to give the 6DoF of the quad rotor. It is also
known that for a hover flight regime the speed of the propeller on each rotor should be
about the average hence to represent this condition a slider gain representing speed factor
with 0 being its minimum (Low Speed) and 2 its maximum (Full Speed) has been included
to the model; hence 1 (Average Speed) being the average multiplier of the propeller’s speed
that lets the quad rotor be in the stationary flight (Hovering) condition.
Block 2: The second block from the model has two components; the command inputs and
the manual switch. The manual switch is used as an Open/Closed loop switch which we
tend to use when a controller is incorporated in to the model to control the position and
attitude of the system at hovering position (scope for this thesis) by manipulating the control
inputs. And the command inputs are those that drive the motion of the craft by reaching to a
required propeller speed.
Block3: the core of the system is shown in this block. Here the dynamics of the quad rotor
has been incorporated using the MATLAB function block and the output of this block are
the state derivatives which are shown with a scope in the accelerations block for both the
linear and angular acceleration; whereas the integrator is used to output the state vector
which is used in the dynamics and a vital input to plots block (where the 6 DoF are plotted
for different inputs) in turn it is also fed back to the dynamics block as a state feedback.
Block 4: this block from the model has the controller part where it is represented by a
constant i.e. zero to indicate that there is no controller but just the model of the system to be
premeditated which will come into the picture after the controller is designed.
The parameters used for this work are adopted from [1] and have been attached on
Appendix C.
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The work done here is for the quad rotor at hovering position; as learnt from the dynamics
of the rotorcraft at hovering position each propeller has the same speed i.e. each propeller is
at the average speed simultaneously. At this point since the force and torque reacting to the
rotorcraft are balanced; on equation (3-19) it is shown that the total uplift thrust developed
by the four rotors balances the rotorcraft weight and the counter torque developed are
canceled out.
3-19
Where, ( )
But we have said that at hovering position the propeller speeds are all equal (
)
Therefore; √ with this propeller speed at each rotor the quad rotor has the condition
of stationary flight.
Where; mg is the weight/force of gravity acting on the quad rotor from the inertial frame.
Below figures for an open loop model of the system for different inputs are shown.
 Scenario One: Descending Speed
When the propellers are at Low speed ( ); for i=1-4; i is the number of rotors. ωH
represents the average speed which corresponds to hovering speed at which the quad rotor
is at stationary flight whereas Sf represents the speed factor below hovering speed ( )
for which the craft starts descending. Matrix showing the respective hovering position
assumed is written below.
[ ] [ ]

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Figure 3-12: Quad-rotor descending
This figure shows that all except the altitude are zero implicating that the rotors are rotating
at low speed. The altitude (Z position figure) illustrates that from hovering position when
the propeller speeds are below the average (hovering) speed the rotorcraft starts falling
below the intended hovering position.
 Scenario Two: Ascending Speed
When the propellers are at ascending speed ( ); for i=1-4. ωH represents the
average speed which corresponds to hovering speed at which the quad rotor is at stationary
flight whereas Sf represents the speed factor above hovering speed ( ) for which the
craft starts ascending.

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Figure 3-13: Quad-rotor Ascending
This plot shows that at ascending speed the lifting force or thrust takes over the weight
leading the quad rotor to ascend from the point where it hovers with the average speed
which is shown in the next scenario. Other than the altitude (Z position) all other degrees of
freedom have no change as long as all propeller speeds are increasing or decreasing at the
same speed simultaneously.
 Scenario Three: Average/Hovering Speed
When the propellers are at average speed ( ); for i=1-4. ωH represents the average
speed which corresponds to hovering speed at which the quad rotor is at stationary flight
whereas Sf represents the speed factor equal to hovering speed ( ) for this scenario
where the craft hovers.

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Figure 3-14: Quad-rotor Hovering at zero equilibrium point
The above plot shows that at average speed, the thrust and weight are equal which implies
that for this flight condition the force and torque are balanced. All 6 DoF are at the assumed
hovering position i.e. the operating point; with this propeller speed the hovering flight
condition is achieved where all positions and angles are maintained.
 Scenario Four: Roll
This dynamics is obtained by decreasing (or increasing) the left-right propeller speed while
maintaining hovering speed for the front-back propeller. With this dynamics we can
understand that the roll angle and the Y position are coupled. Below the two figures show
the roll movement of the quad rotor by performing either of the above variations on the
propeller speed.
( ); sf<1 and ( ); sf>1 implies rolls to the left while ( ); i=1
and 3 and the sf =1 implying this pair of rotors are still at hovering speed.

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For the quad rotor to roll to the right the opposite operation i.e. the left (4th rotor) shall have
speed above the hovering speed factor and that of the right (2nd rotor) shall be decreased
from the average/hovering speed. And the craft is initially hovering at 8m.
Figure 3-15: Quad-rotor Rolling to the right
Figure 3-16: Force decomposition showing φ and Y drfit are coupled

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On the figures from the previous page the following is seen:
When the propeller speed of the right rotor is decreased and conversely the speed of the left
rotor is increased; the rotorcrafts rolls to the right. While rolling the height is a slightly over
thrown from the hovering position in order to balance the rolling effect. In this scenario we
also see that the Y position coupled to the rolling angle is positive and has a drift to its
positive; in its direction of orientation similar to its respective angle.
 Scenario five: Pitch
This dynamics is obtained by decreasing (or increasing) the front-back propeller speed while
maintaining hovering speed for the front-back propeller. With this dynamics we can
understand that the pitch angle and the X position are coupled. Below the two figures show
the pitching movement of the quad rotor by performing either of the above variations on the
propeller speed.
( ); sf<1 and ( ); sf >1 implies the craft pitches backward while
( ); i=2 and 4 and the sf =1 inferring this pair of rotors are still at hovering speed.
For the quad rotor to pitch forward the opposite operation i.e. the back (3rd rotor) shall
have speed above the hovering speed factor and that of the front (1st rotor) shall be
decreased from the average/hovering speed. The quad-rotor was initially hovering at 8m
until it starts pitching due to the variation is speed with respect to the rotors that make the
change.

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Figure 3-17: Quad-rotorpitching to forward
Figure 3-18: Force decomposition showing that θ and X drift are coupled

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On the previous page from the figures we see the following concept:
When the propeller speed of the front rotor is decreased and the back is increased the
rotorcraft pitches forward maintaining the vertical thrust in hover position with a change in
the height because the balance would be a bit over thrown while pitching. In this scenario
we also see that the X position coupled to the Pitch angle is negative and has a drift to its
positive; in its direction of orientation.
 Scenario Six: Yaw
This dynamics is obtained by decreasing (or increasing) the left-right propellers speed while
increasing (or decreasing) the front-back propeller speed keeping the overall thrust the
same. Below the figure shows the yaw movement of the quad rotor by performing either of
the above variations on the propeller speed.
( ); sf <1 for i=1 and 3 and ( ); sf >1 for j=2 and 4 implies the craft
yaws to the clockwise while maintaining the total thrust as it was in hovering position i.e.
balanced to force of gravity.
For the quad rotor to yaw to the counter clockwise the opposite operation i.e. the back and
front (1st &3rd rotor) shall have speed above the hovering speed factor and that of the left
and right (2nd & 4th rotor) shall be decreased from the average/hovering speed.

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Figure 3-19: Quad-rotor yawing to the clockwiseand hovering still at 8m
When the propeller speed of the left-right rotors is decreased and the front-back is increased
the rotorcraft yaws counter clockwise maintaining the vertical thrust in hovering position. In
the portrayed scenario we see that the yawing angle is positive i.e. it yaws clockwise
direction whereas the opposite scenario would be that the crafts yaws in counter clock wise
direction, hence, the angle is negative.
Summarizing this section we have seen the model verification shows that the model adheres
to the concept discussed in the principle of operation section and faithfully responds to the
control inputs introduced to it. For now the control inputs are the variations of speed of the
four rotors.

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4 Controller Design and Results

This chapter provides the control law designed to stabilize the quad-rotor at hovering
position and the results in regard to the designed controllers.
In the previous section we have seen how the model faithfully responds to the inputs it was
commanded with. Here in this section we start designing two control laws that stabilize the
craft at hovering position, generally the requirement for control law is for the purpose of
controlling the output of processes.
The need for these two control laws is to have a view of the rotorcrafts how fast it responds
to the command received and how long it takes to settle to its desired position i.e. hovering.
As seen previously in section 3.6 the equilibrium point/hovering position is defined as;
[ ] [ ]
The next steps after verifying the model are to analyze and design the system to meet the
main objective. Using the linearized model in the previous chapter the PID controller and
the LQR controller are designed which in turn their performances are evaluated on the
dynamics of the linearized model of the vehicle in MATLAB/Simulink.
The controllers gain matrices are found by the linearized model as seen on section 3.5.
4.1 PID Controller
The first controller that was used for stabilizing the craft is the Proportional, Integrator and
Derivative (PID) controller. PID is a SISO controller; hence; it only controls the directly
actuated DoF i.e. the altitude and attitude (Z, φ, θ, and ψ) respectively; whereas the lateral
and longitudinal are indirectly actuated, coupled and they cannot be controlled using a SISO
controller.
| Controller Design and Results 46

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This controller is taken as an extension to the work done by [1]; where in the bench marked
paper only the altitude and yaw angle are stabilized using two PID controllers.
There are equal numbers of feedback loops with respect to the directly actuated DoF
separated from each other and take the form as shown in the illustration below.
Figure 4-1: PID controller concept implemented in this work

( ) ∫ ( ) 4-1
Therefore the respective command inputs which stabilize the craft as outputs from the
controller are:
( ) ∫( ) ( ̇ ̇ )
( ) ∫( ) ( ̇ ̇ ) 4-2
(a,b,c,d)
( ) ∫( ) ( ̇ ̇ )
( ) ∫( ) ( ̇ ̇ )
Using this concept the designed controller was evaluated using MATLAB Simulink; here
below the controller block added to the model shown in section 3.6 which was modeled
using Simulink model scheme is shown.

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Figure 4-2: PID Controller block
As seen from the figure above we have four independent PID controllers for the actuated
states ; with the use of these controllers the craft was stabilized at hovering position but no
knowledge its space orientation i.e. know how regarding the longitudinal and latitudinal
positions were not acquired. With this result also it is tried to show the controllers capability
of stabilizing the craft’s altitude and attitude at different points.
Figure 4-3: Stabilization of Altitude using a PID controller

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Figure 4-4: Stabilization of Euler Angles using PID controller
The initial states where Zo=10m, φo=0.2 rad, θo=0.4 rad, ψo=0.8 rad and the desired set point
the craft was stabilized at its equilibrium point. The altitude takes about 10 seconds to settle
whereas the angles were stabilized in less than 5 seconds.
The gain values for the four independent PID controllers were taken from the values of the
gain matrix resulted by LQ-servo control by LQR technique (discussed in the following
section); whose gain matrix more or less has the structure of a PID controller gain values.
The initial points were chosen on the criteria that the height (altitude) is near to the
operating point and for the angles it is preferred that it is kept between the range of +/- 1.57
rad (90˚) for roll and pitch and for yaw about +/- 3.14 (180˚) which in turn also be critical for
the coupled translational motions if different from the range.
4.2 LQR Controller
The second controller technique used to design the controller that was used to stabilize the
quad-rotor is the linear quadratic regulator. This algorithm uses an optimal control
approach i.e. control concerned with operating a dynamic system at minimum cost.

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∫ ( )
A feedback controller is one of the main results in the theory where the solution is provided
by linear quadratic regulator (LQR). Therefore, the effect of this algorithm to find the
controller settings that minimizes the undesired deviations from the desired set point
(hovering on the equilibrium points regarding to this work).
Figure 4-5: State feedback /General LQR (u=-kx)/
The algorithm for LQR at its core is just an automated way of finding an appropriate state
feedback controller; with this a much clearer linking between adjusted parameters and the
resulting changes in controller behavior is achieved. In this version of the LQR i.e. the state
feedback control loop two conditions are held; these are the system is controllable and
observable. [30]
4.2.1 Design using Pole Placement
The use of the pole placement technique is to design a state feedback by shifting poles in the
real part to the desired places. With this technique a smooth curve without any big
overshoots and oscillations can be achieved but guarantee of robustness is in question.
Currently in our design the model has been linearized to its equilibrium point; where the
use of pole placement technique is assumed to be the good approach. Values of poles should

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not be too close to each other and also should not be too far from zero to avoid making the
controller hard in terms of the necessary control inputs. By placing the following poles [-1 -
1.5 -2 -2.5 -3 -3.5 -4 -4.5 -5 -5.5 -6 -6.5] to our system the following controller gain matrix has
been achieved.
[ ]
Figure 4-6:LQR controller using pole placement in Simulink
The initial state of the Positions and angles are: Xo = 2 m, Yo = 3 m, Zo=10 m; ϕo=0.2 rad, θo=-
0.4 rad, ψo=0.8 rad and the references are equilibrium points (hovering position)
respectively.
Figure 4-7: Translational motion using pole placement Technique

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Figure 4-8:Rotational motion using pole placement Technique
It can be seen from Figure 4-7 and Figure 4-8 result that the pole placement technique does
not work effectively for all the degrees of freedom; it only stabilizes the X and Y positions
and the Roll and Pitch angles towards the desired set point i.e. the hovering position where
height and yaw have sustained error from the equilibrium position and orientation
respectively.
The lateral and longitudinal positions are stabilized in less than 4 seconds and their
corresponding coupled angles settle in less than 5 seconds.
In order to overcome this drawback we introduce the LQ-servo feedback loop to the system
in the controller loop to enhance the results using the LQR technique.
4.2.2 Design LQ-Servo feedback using LQR technique
The concept of the LQ-servo feedback is to include the error (the difference between the
desired set point of states and the actual state feedbacks) as an extension to the model;
hence, the task is to find a feedback that brings the value of the error vector to zero. [31]

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The state space model shown earlier can be extended to include the error as shown in the
following equations.
̇
4-3
(a,b,c)
̇
Therefore, it has the following matrix form
̇
[ ] [ ][ ] [ ] [ ]
̇ 4-4
where, xe represents the error variable taken as states and r the reference set point.
Now that a full state feedback is applied; the value of the feedback gain matrix (K) is
calculated as
( )
4-5
(a,b)
( )
For this work K has been designed using the LQR control strategy i.e. solving the algebraic
Riccatti Equation (ARE) to minimize the functional cost. The lqr command from MATLAB
provided the linearized model matrices; has been used to compute the values for K matrix.
The K matrix is the horizontal concatenation of the gain from the states and the gain
obtained from the error.
[ ]
4-6
(a,b)
[ ]

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Figure 4-9:LQ-Servo feedback using LQR technique Simulink block
Equipping the original linearized model with additional integrators through this control
scheme allows us to follow a constant reference.
The initial state of the Positions and angles are as follows for Xo=2m, Yo=3m ,Zo= 10m; ϕo=0.2
rad, θo= 0.4 rad, ψo=0.8 rad and the references are equilibrium points respectively implying
the final position and angles to be stabilized in hovering position.
Figure 4-10: Translational motion using LQ-servo feedback technique

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Figure 4-11: Rotational motion using LQ-Servo feedback technique
From the figure illustrated above we can see that the UAV returns back to its hovering
position and the controller works effectively and handles the dynamics very well even when
the angles were not at the equilibrium point initially. It has stabilized the craft from a
different initial translational and angular motion to its equilibrium position (hovering
position). The settling time for the X and Y positions is about 4 seconds and for the altitude
takes about 9 seconds and for the attitude it takes about 5 seconds.
Using this method has a better settling time for the translational motion but takes a bit
longer in order to stabilize the attitude since they are coupled with their respective
translational counterparts in comparison to the pole placement method and PID controller.
4.3 Disturbances Introduced
In this section we try to test the performance of the controllers mentioned in the previous
sections under the influence of disturbances. Two types of disturbances were introduced to
the dynamics of the quad-rotor.

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Scenario I: Wind disturbance
The first type of disturbance that was introduced to the modeled system is some force that
pulls/drags the craft to different positions, angles. The disturbance is introduced to both the
translational and rotational motions.
This disturbance is introduced in the model using the step input block from Simulink
initially in a different point to a craft that is hovering at its equilibrium point and in turn
using the controllers to stabilize it to the initial hovering position.
Figure 4-12:Conceptual Diagram showing the craft in a windy environment
In Figure 4-13 the disturbance introduced to the model is illustrated using Simulink
modeling blocks.

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Figure 4-13: Disturbance model
This disturbance is added to the states i.e. the translational and rotational velocities and fed
back again to the dynamics. Using the control inputs from the controller; it tries to stabilize
the craft under the influence of disturbance that would pull/drag it. With this disturbance it
is assumed that an external environment disturbance such as wind disturbs the quad-rotor’s
motion in undesirable directions.
To simulate the disturbance a step input is introduced to each velocity of the states. Here
below the results are discussed.
These disturbances are introduced to the altitude and attitude that can be stabilized by using
a PID controller.

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̇
̇
[ ]
̇
[ ̇ ]
Figure 4-14: Altitude and Attitude Stabilization with disturbance using PID controller

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From the above plotted results it is shown that the disturbance introduced here is the
assumed windy environment where the disturbance is added to each state velocity of the
craft. With the introduction of disturbance it can be seen that the altitude of the craft loses its
altitude not only because disturbance was introduced to it directly but also because of the
imbalance created when the angles are disoriented due to the addition of disturbance; this is
supported by the concept discussed on principle of operation under the scenario of roll and
pitch. The controller stabilizes the DoF back to their initial hovering position within 7
seconds for the attitude whereas the altitude takes about 11 seconds to settle.
Disturbances introduced to all states that can be stabilized by the LQR controller as shown
below; here the lateral and longitudinal positions are included to the disturbance mentioned
earlier.
̇
̇
̇
̇
̇
[ ] [ ̇ ]
Figure 4-15:Position stabilization after disturbance using LQR controller

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Figure 4-16: Attitude Stabilization with disturbance using LQR controller
From the results depicted we see the concept discussed under the topic of the principle of
operation is also supported here. We see that due to the disturbance in the translational
motion there is an effect in its respective coupled rotational motion while accommodating
the disturbance introduced to it and vice versa. The LQR controller takes more time to settle
than the PID controller because in this scenario the lateral and longitudinal DoF are also
taken into consideration. The LQR controller takes about 9 seconds to settle the roll and
pitch angle while the yaw angle settles in 5 seconds. Moreover the translational motion
settles in about 8 seconds for the X and Y positions while the altitude takes 12 seconds to
settle.
The reason why the altitude takes a longer time to settle using LQR controller is that before
the altitude gets stabilized the controller tries to stabilize the other coupled degrees of
freedom; hence while trying to accommodate the disturbance added to the roll angle the Y
position gets disturbed which in turn creates instability in the altitude. The yaw angle settles
faster than any other DoF because it is not coupled to any of the other states.

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Scenario II: Side Jerk
The second disturbance that is introduced to the model is some jerk that makes an impact to
the craft. It has been only introduced to one of the states i.e. X-position to have a side drift
initially from its equilibrium hovering position. However, for this scenario with which PID
controller is going to be used a jerk force to the acceleration in the Z-position has been
introduced since this controller is only capable to control the directly actuated DoF.
This disturbance is included in the model using a gain block from Simulink to be multiplied
to the direct output of the dynamics i.e. the state derivatives. Therefore, the gain is
multiplied to the acceleration in the X-direction and Z-axis for the respective type of control
algorithm to be used.
For the LQR control algorithm, the jerk motion moves the craft sideways with its coupled
angle (i.e. the pitch angle) being disoriented to some undesirable position and it is tried to
revive it to get back to the desired hovering position; while for the PID control algorithm the
jerk in the Z-position makes the craft lose its balance in holding its altitude but then again it
has been stabilized to its initial hovering position and has no effect on the attitude.
Figure 4-17:Side Jerk to the X-axis and Z-axis
Using the controllers used in this paper the results are depicted on how the craft stabilizes to
its initial position. In Figure 4-18 a Simulink modeling figure is shown to illustrate the
concept on how the disturbance is included to the model.

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Figure 4-18:Side Jerk Disturbance model
This disturbance is added to the one of the state derivatives; the result of the dynamics. The
Side drift moves the quad-rotor to the direction it was applied i.e. the –x direction as shown
on the conceptual diagram on Figure 4-17.
In Figure 4-19 the result for the stabilization of the craft after a jerk has been introduced to
the altitude is shown.

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Figure 4-19:Altitude and Attitude Stabilization with Jerking force to the Z-axis using PID
controller
Using the PID controller the craft was stabilized to hovering position after the introduction
of a jerking disturbance to its vertical acceleration at the Z-axis. The jerk drives the craft to
move below the hovering position from 8m height to about 4m height and settles back to its
initial hovering position at about 10 seconds. Since the altitude is not coupled with any of

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the other DoF the angles are not affected by the introduction of jerking disturbance to the
altitude. The angles are still in their hovering position even though the altitude was
disturbed and stabilized back.
In Figure 4-21 and Figure 4-21 the results for the stabilization of the craft after a jerk has
been introduced to the X-axis are shown. Definitely, the coupled angle will also be
destabilized for some time before both the lateral motion and its coupled pitch angle get
stabilized back to its initial hovering position.
Figure 4-20: Position Stabilization with Side jerk to the X-axis using LQR controller

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Figure 4-21: Attitude Stabilization with Side jerk to the X-axis using LQR controller
By introducing a side jerk to the X-axis it is evident that there will be instability in the
altitude and that the respective coupled angle will be disoriented. In the results illustrated
the concept discussed in the above line has been shown clearly. The lateral position is
disturbed for about 5 seconds but its coupled angle (pitch) is stabilized due to the side jerk
in 4 seconds.
Due to the imbalance in the lateral position and the coupled angle, the altitude loses its
balance of holding the craft in its hovering position. In about 11 seconds the altitude is
stabilized after settling the angle to its desired hovering position. The longitudinal position
and the roll angle are also disturbed in the process of stabilizing the lateral position and the
pitch angle and these are stabilized in about 2 seconds and 5 seconds respectively. The yaw
is insignificantly disturbed as it is not coupled with any of the other degrees of freedom and
stays at its desired position.
Summarizing this section based on the results looked over in the previous sections; we see
that the use of the LQR technique for the scheme of controlling the craft to stabilize in its
hovering position involves all 6 DoF and takes a bit longer than the PID controller, which is
a classical SISO controller that only considers the directly actuated degrees of freedom.

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5 Conclusions and Recommendations

5.1 Contribution
This thesis started with the recommendation from [1] which is stated as one of the
points on the statement of the problem. In the paper [1] stabilization of the yaw and
altitude was carried out; in this thesis an enhancement has been made by including
the rest of the attitude and used PID and LQR controller to stabilize the quad-rotor
in the desired position i.e. hovering position by taking all the states that define the
dynamics.
5.2 Conclusion
In this thesis general history about unmanned aerial vehicles with specifics about
quad-rotor has been discussed and no matter what their configuration is their
characteristics are merely similar i.e. all UAVs are under actuated, coupled and have
6 DoF.
The Newton-Euler formulation has been used as the modeling method from many
others as it is a comprehensible modeling method. Nonlinear dynamics has been
formulated based on the understanding of the operation and the works by [19]
Once the model had been formulated it was linearized to an equilibrium point where
the hovering position has been defined to be; then it was sought out to verify the
model if it responds to the inputs that it was commanded to and whether the
dynamics and operations discussed in section 3.5 are seen with this model of the
craft. The model verification was successful and it has been seen that the modeled
dynamics faithfully responds to the commanded inputs.
| Conclusions and Recommendations 66

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Right after the verification of the model; the starting point was to extend the work of
[1] i.e. to include the rest of the other Euler angles that make up the attitude of the
rotorcraft and stabilize the altitude together with the attitude with a SISO classical
controller (PID). With this controller the directly actuated degrees of freedom have
been stabilized.
The next step was to introduce a controller that considers all degrees of freedom to
be controlled. Hence, an optimal controller that minimizes the cost (error) and
outputs an input that could bring the optimized output i.e. linear quadratic regulator
(LQR) was introduced. The controller feedback gain matrix has been found from the
linearized model. With the two controllers, the stabilization of the quad-rotor at
hovering position was successful.
Finally two different disturbances were introduced to explore more about the
controllers if they adhere to the desired response i.e. stabilizing the craft back to
hovering position even though there would be some external environmental factors
prohibiting it. A wind disturbance and a side jerk introduced that moves the UAV in
different directions is stabilized.
Generally summarizing the work done here in this paper is:
 extended the work of [1] by stabilizing the altitude and attitude;
 modeled and simulated using MATLAB and SIMULINK;
 stabilizing the quad-rotor at hovering position; all the 6 DoF and
 Inclusion of external environmental factors and stabilizing it back to its equilibrium
point/hovering position.

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5.3 Future Works
Although this thesis has successfully accomplished the mission which was targeted;
not all things have been done and there other different issues and works to be done
with in this subject.
Recommendations for future work from this work are listed down below:
 Input optimization to controlled motors
 Model and control the craft for non-hovering operation
 Include other effects such as rolling moments, ground effect and hub forces to the
model
 Introduce nonlinear controllers and new controllers that would make the
stabilization of the craft in the desired operation effective
 Consideration of flapping and tilting of blades
 Model of combat operation could also be included
 Stabilization of crafts during a formation flight
 Communication with remote operation rooms during a reconnaissance mission
could be included if considered for military operation
 Last but not least, integration of the characteristics in an electronic warfare
environment could be useful for tactical and counter measure operations.

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6 References
1. A.Ouladi. Four Rotors Helicopter Yaw and Altitude Stabilization. Algeria : Control and
Command laboratory EMP, 2007.
2. Lee, Keun Uk. Modeling and Altitude Control of quadrotor UAV. Seoul,South Korea :
Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Yonsei University, 2011.
3. Syed Ali Raza, Wail Gueaieb. Intelligent Flight Control of an Autonomous Quadrotor.
Canada : University of Ottawa, 2009.
4. Venditelli, Marilena. Quadrotor Modeling. Rome : Sapienza,University di Roma, 2011.
5. Meric, Hugo. Stabilization of Four rotors UAV. Australia : Institut Superieur de

l'Aeronautique et de l'Espace and National ICT Australia, 2010.
6. K.J.Yoon. Design of an Autonomous Hover Control System for a Samll Quadrotor. South
Korea : Konkuk University,Aerospace Information Engineering Department, 2010.
7. Samir Bouabdallah, Andre Noth,Ronald Siegwart. PID vs LQ Control Techniques

Applied to an Indoor Micro Quadrotor. Lausanne,Switzerland : Autonomous Systems
Laboratory, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, 2004.
8. Birkan Tunç, K. Oytun Yapıcı. Fuzzy Logic Control of a Four Rotor Unmanned Air
Vehicle. 2006.
9. M.Raju Hossain, D.Geoff Rideout,D.Nicholas Krouglicof. Bond Graph Dynamic

Modeling and Stabilization of a Quadrotor helicopter. Newfoundland,Canada : University of
Newfoundland, 2008.
10. Bresciani, Tommaso. Modeling, Identification and Control of a Quadrotor Helicopter.

Sweden,Lund University : Department of Automatic Control, 2008.
11. Draganfly website. [Online] http://www.draganfly.com.
12. J.G.Leishman. Principles of Helicopter Aerodynamics. Maryland : Cambridge

University Press, 2000.
13. Century-of-Flight. [Online] http://www.Century-of-Flight.com.
14. J.G.Leishman. The Breguet-Richet Quadrotor Helicopter of 1907. Maryland : University

of Maryland, 2001.
15. Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Systems Association. [Online] http://www.uavs.org.
| References 69
Technology POSITION
16. Ascending Technologies. Humming Bird Quadrotor UAV. [Online] http://www.asctec.de.
17. Miller, Katie. Path Tracking Control for Quadrotor Helicopters. 2008.
18. C.Nicol, C.J.B Macnab,A.Ramirez-Serrano. Robust Neural Network of a Quadrotor

Helicopter. Calgary and Alberta,Canada : IEEE, 2008.
19. Samir Bouabdallah, Ronald Siegwart. Design and Control of a Miniature Quadrotor.
ETH Zurich,Switzerland : Autonomous Systems Lab, 2007.
20. Paul Pounds, Robert Mahony ,Peter Corke. Modelling and Control of a Quadrotor
Robot. Canberra and Brisbane, Australia : CSIRO ICT Centre,Australian National University,
2010.
21. Y.Naidoo. Quadrotor Unmanned Aerial vehicle Helicopter Modeling and Control. South
Africa : University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2011.
22. Topalov, Andon Venelinov. Comparative Results on Stabilization of the Quad-rotor

Rotorcraft Using Bounded Feedback Controllers. s.l. : Springer Science+Business Media,
2011.
23. Inge Troch, Felix Breitenecker. Modeling and Simulation of Dynamic Systems.
Vienna,Austria : University of Technology, 2007.
24. Bak, Thomas. Modeling of Mechanical Systems. Aalborg,Denmark : Department of

Control Engineering,Aalborg, 2002.
25. Schmidt, Michael David. Simulation and Control of a Quadrotor Unmanned Aerial
vehicle. s.l. : University of Kentucky, 2011.
26. Administration, Federal Aviation. Rotorcraft Flying Handbook. s.l. : U.S. Department
of Transportation. FAA-H-8083-21.
27. Yenehun, Abeje. Model and Robust Control of an Unmanned Aerial vehicle . Enschede :
University of Twente, 2011.
28. Latorre, Eva Saddre. Propulsion system optimization for an unmanned lightweight
quadrotor. s.l. : Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, 2011.
29. Bramwell, Robert. Principles of Helicopter Flight. 1992.
30. Hespanha, Joao P. LQG/LQR Controller Design. Santa Barbara : University of

California, April 2007.
31. Feedback Control Systems. Massachusetts : Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2010.
| References 70
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Appendix
A. Rotation Matrix
Figure Appendix-A 1: Relation of the Inertial Frame (IF) with body Fixed Frame (BFF)
The linear position is determined by the coordinates of the vector between the origin of the
BFF and that of the IF with respect to the Inertial frame; whereas the angular position is
defined by the orientation of the BFF with respect to the IF.
The attitude i.e. angular position in respect to the IF is determined by three successive
rotations about the main axes which take IF into BFF.
By multiplying the three basic rotation matrices in a 1-2-3 sequence i.e. first the rotation
about the z-axis, then about the y-axis and finally about the x-axis. The three successive
rotations are shown next:
| Appendix 71
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[ ]
[ ]
[ ]
The notations indicate Cos t and Sin t respectively.
Hence, the transformation which relates the motions of Body fixed frame with respect to the
inertial frame is construed as follows:
| Appendix 72
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[ ]
B. Transfer Matrix
̇ ̇ ̇
[ ̇] [ ] [ ̇] [ ] [ ̇]
̇ ̇ ̇
̇ ̇ ̇
[ ̇] [ ] [ ][ ̇] [ ][ ][ ] [ ̇]
̇ ̇ ̇
̇ ̇ ̇
[ ̇] [ ] [ ][ ̇ ] [ ][ ] [ ̇]
̇ ̇ ̇
̇ ̇ ̇
[ ̇] [ ] [ ][ ̇ ] [ ][ ] [ ̇]
̇ ̇ ̇
̇ ̇
[ ̇] [ ̇]
̇ ̇
̇ ̇
[ ̇] [ ] [ ̇]
̇ ̇
With the transfer matrix gained from the above calculation and the operating point
gained in section 3.5.2; we see that the transfer matrix that is used to relate the
angular velocity from the inertial frame to the body frame is an Identity matrix for
hovering flight regime.
At hovering position the attitude angles are at zero i.e. φ=0, θ=0, ψ=0; hence the
transfer matrix is shown below
̇ ̇
[ ̇] [ ] [ ̇]
̇ ̇
With the above shown equation we see that the angular velocity in the inertial frame
and the angular velocity in the body frame is the same for hovering flight.
| Appendix 73
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C. Parameters of DraganFlyer IV
The parameters that were used for simulation were adopted from the literature by
A.Ouladi and they are listed below
 Mass (m) =500 g

 Gravity (g) =9.81 m/s2
 Length of the arm between the CoG and the tip where rotor is placed (l)= 22.5 cm
 Thrust Coefficient (b) = 3.13x10-5 N/rad/s
 Drag Coefficient (d) = 9x10-7 N.m/rad/s
 Inertia Matrix (Ixx,Iyy,Izz) = [ ] N.m/rad/s2
D. Details on Linearization
| Appendix 74

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ADDIS ABABA UNIVERSITY

SCHOOL OF GRADUATE STUDIES

ADDIS ABABA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

ELECTRICAL AND COMPUTER ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

Modeling and Control of a Quad-rotor Unmanned Aerial

Vehicle at Hovering Position

Ato Lebsework Negash

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

4 Controller Design and Results ................................................................................................ 46

Table 1-1: Methodology followed for this thesis ............................................................................ 5

Figure 2-1: Chinese Bamboo Dragon Fly Prototype ...................................................................... 7

| Tables, Figures and Acronyms iv

Figure 4-11: Rotational motion using LQ-Servo feedback technique .......................................... 55

ARE Algebraic Riccati Equation

| Tables, Figures and Acronyms v

acquisition, agricultural spraying etc. [2]

requiring a runway. [3]

construction, ease of maintenance and an uncomplicated dynamics compared to a standard

helicopter using a main and tail rotor. [4]

1.2 Literature Review

some of them are discussed here below briefly.

motion of the craft.

orientation (i.e. position controller).

enhance the autonomous flight by including the stability of position.

could be considered for stabilization during a non-hovering operation.

1.3 Statement of the Problem

performances that have been recommended.

appropriate modeling technique with an appropriate controller.

 Understanding the dynamics of a quad-rotor

 Choose a comprehensible modeling technique

 Design a controller to stabilize the craft at hovering position.

 Linearize the model to a hovering equilibrium point

 Simulate model with MATLAB-Simulink for verification

 Design Controller based on the linearized model

 Introduce disturbances and stabilize craft back to hovering position

Literature View Reading books, articles, forums, simulation

tools related to the subject matter

System Modeling Formulating the mathematical relation of

the dynamics (motion) of the quad-rotor.

Controller Design Designing an appropriate controller based

on the model formulated.

Simulation Simulation of the modeled dynamics and

controller using MATLAB -Simulink

Analysis and Interpretation Analysis and interpretation of the result

Performance Comparison Compare results between different control

commercially available radio controlled craft called Draganflyer X4 manufactured by

Dragaflyer Innovations Inc. [11] Included in Appendix C

a simulation tool (MATLAB or any other that is available).

1.7 Thesis Outline

formalism and finally verification of the model is shown in the MATLAB-Simulink

PID and LQR controller.

2 Overview of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

rotorcrafts wing shaped rotors are spun. [13]

length of tunnel required to enter the region. [13]

Figure 2-1: Chinese Bamboo Dragon Fly Prototype

| Overview of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle 7

created by the French naturalist Launoy and Bienvenu in 1783. [13]

Figure 2-2: Launoy and Bienvenu's model in 1783

Figure 2-3: Sir George Cayley’s first manned glider