Consider the automatic ship-steering system discussed in P8.ll. The frequency response

Chapter 0, Problem P9.15

(choose chapter or problem)

Consider the automatic ship-steering system discussed in P8.ll. The frequency response of the open-loop portion of the ship steering control system is shown in Figure P8.ll. The deviation of the tanker from the straight track is measured by radar and is used to generate the error signal, as shown in Figure P9.15. This error signal is used to control the rudder angle 8(s). (a) Is this system stable? Discuss what an unstable ship-steering system indicates in terms of the transient response of the system. Recall that the system under consideration is a ship attempting to follow a straight track. (b) Is it possible to stabilize this system by lowering the gain of the transfer function G(.v)? (c) Is it possible to stabilize this system? Suggest a suitable feedback compensator.