Vibration control of flexible structures using member dampers

Although there has been much theoretical research on vibration control of flexible structures, the important effects of actuators, in achieving the vibration control objectives, have generally been ignored. Structures consisting of interconnected flexible members where the control forces and moments are generated by electromechanical member dampers constitute an important class of controlled flexible structures. Mathematical models of such controlled systems are presented that include electromechanical interaction effects, effects arising from the transmission of the control forces and moments to the structure, as well as the dynamic effects of the flexible structure itself. A simple form of hierarchical control is presented, consisting of feedback of structural signals plus compensation of the member dampers. Conditions are indicated for which the controller is spatially decentralized. Conditions for stabilization of the closed loop are also presented.