Active control of vibrations in spacecraft

The active control of vibration in structures can be classed broadly into two areas: (i) the isolation of sensitive equipment from unwanted vibrations; and (ii) modification of the dynamic properties of structures. The control systems can become extremely complex for large structures. One design aim is to minimize the system complexity but retain the ability to meet the design objectives. The author describes the various active control options that can be used. He shows how system complexity can be traded off against robustness while meeting the design objectives and how reduced objectives can affect the complexity. In particular, he shows the benefits of modal control structures