Applications of QFT robust control techniques to marine systems

In this work an analysis of the application of the Quantitative Feedback Theory (QFT) technique to different marine systems is presented. Specifically, the problems of dynamic positioning of a moored platform, stabilization of a fast ferry and the tracking control of a hovercraft are studied. This control problem presents interesting questions to deal with, since the plants are non-linear, multivariable, underactuated and subject to large disturbances due to waves. Three multivariable nonlinear problems are solved using different sequential procedures. It is shown that the QFT controllers synthesis achieve robust performance, decoupling, environment disturbance reduction, quick answers and tracking precision. Therefore, it is shown that robust techniques based on QFT methodologies result feasible and very suitable, constituting an attractive alternative for robust design of marine vehicles.