Resumen
This work presents the results of studies related to the design of stabilizing feedback connections for marine vessels moving along initially given trajectories. As is known, in mathematical formalization, this question leads to a problem of tracking control synthesis for nonlinear and non-autonomous plants. To provide desirable stability and performance features of the closed-loop systems to be synthesized, it is appropriate to use an optimization approach. Unlike the known synthesis methods, which are usually used within the framework of this approach, it is proposed to implement the optimal damping concept first developed by V.I. Zubov in the early 60s of the last century. Modern interpretation of this concept allows constructing numerically effective procedures of control law synthesis taking into account its applicability in a real-time regime. Central attention is focused on the questions connected with practical adaptation of the optimal damping methods for marine control systems. The operability and effectiveness of the proposed approach are illustrated by a practical example of tracking control design.