An image processing approach for mathematical modeling of flexible structure

This paper presents an image processing based approach for mathematical modeling of flexible structure. Flexible inverted pendulum with tip mass mounted on car (FIPTMC) is considered as a representative case of flexible structure. A camera setup is placed a the FIPTMC plan to record system behavior. Videos are captured with system subject to various possible initial conditions. Using image processing, relation between varying beam lengths and corresponding pendulum angular displacements is derived by curve-fitting technique. A low order mathematical model of FIPTMC system is then framed using Euler-Lagrange formulation. The proposed model is validated by comparing simulation results with the experimental observations.