Sneha Gajbhiye

Sudin Kadam, Sneha Gajbhiye, Ravi Banavar

This paper presents a geometric framework for analysis of dynamics of flapping wing micro aerial vehicles (FWMAV) which achieve locomotion in the special Euclidean group SE(3) using internal shape changes. We review the special structure of the configuration manifold of such systems. This work addresses to extend the work in geometric locomotion to the aerial locomotion problem. Furthermore, there seems to be limited work in modelling of flapping wing bodies in a geometric framework. We derive the dynamic model of the FWMAV using Lagrangian reduction theory defined on symmetry groups. The reduction is achieved by applying Hamilton's variation principle on a reduced Lagrangian. The resultant dynamics is governed by the Euler-Poincare and Euler-Lagrange equations.

Sneha Gajbhiye, Ravi N. Banavar, Sergio Delgado

The purpose of this article is to illustrate the role of connections and symmetries in the Wheeled Inverted Pendulum (WIP) mechanism - an underactuated system with rolling constraints - popularized commercially as the Segway, and thereby arrive at a set of simpler dynamical equations that could serve as the starting point for more complex feedback control designs. The first part of the article views the nonholonomic constraints enforced by the rolling assumption as defining an Ehresmann connection on a fiber bundle. The resulting equations are the reduced Euler-Lagrange equations, which are identical to the Lagrange d'Alembert equations of motion. In the second part we explore conserved quantities, in particular, nonholonomic momenta. To do so, we first introduce the notion of a symmetry group, whose action leaves both the Lagrangian and distribution invariant. We examine two symmetry groups - $SE (2)$ and $SE(2) \times \mathbb{S}^{1}$. The first group leads to the purely kinematic case while the second gives rise to nonholonomic momentum equations.

Sneha Gajbhiye, Ravi N. Banavar

This paper presents tracking control laws for two different objectives of a nonholonomic system - a spherical robot - using a geometric approach. The first control law addresses orientation tracking using a modified trace potential function. The second law addresses contact position tracking using a $right$ transport map for the angular velocity error. A special case of this is position and reduced orientation stabilization. Both control laws are coordinate free. The performance of the feedback control laws are demonstrated through simulations.