Design of adaptive barrier function-based backstepping finite time guidance control for interceptor-target systems

This study introduces an optimal finite-time backstepping sliding mode guidance law, leveraging an adaptive continuous barrier function to examine the interceptor-target system’s motion in cylindrical coordinates. The integration of sliding mode and backstepping controllers enhances the robustness and performance of the proposed guidance method amidst external disturbances and model uncertainties. This combination also improves transient response, reduces chattering, and lowers control efforts. The adaptive continuous barrier function employed in this method eliminates the need for prior knowledge of the upper bounds of uncertainties and disturbances. Additionally, it ensures that adaptation gains are not overestimated, leading to more accurate performance and complete elimination of chattering. The Lyapunov stability theory is used to prove the finite-time convergence of the state trajectories of the interceptor-target system to a predefined neighborhood around the origin, despite external disturbances and uncertainties. A genetic optimization algorithm is utilized to optimally select the parameters of the guidance method. The efficacy of the proposed technique is validated through simulation results and real-time experiments on the Baseline Speedgoat Real-Time Target Machine platform. The method’s effectiveness and performance are further demonstrated through analysis and simulation in the MATLAB/Simulink environment.