Warship propulsion system control

The modelling of a dual gas turbine, single-shaft transmission drive, for a naval propulsion system, is considered. Owing to the spatial dispersion of the arrangement, a distributed–lumped parameter approach to the dynamic analysis problem is necessary. This enables the relatively concentrated assemblies to be included as lumped, pointwise representations and the propulsion shaft to be incorporated as a dispersed inertia and stiffness element. A multivariable, least effort controller design strategy is employed to achieve the regulation required. The performance of the closed-loop system following reference input and load disturbances is evaluated and the drive shaft speed and twist angle response transients are computed.