A flexible structure control experiment

Control theorists have historically developed control theory independent of the control engineer. Control theory is based on mathematical models of a physical process, i.e. ℋ₂, ℋ_∞, L₁, etc. The controllers designed using these theories must be implemented on physical systems which are not mathematical models and hence do not often satisfy theoretical assumptions. One role that control experiments play is a means of determining how “well” assumed mathematical models approximate the physical system. This is critical in determining the usefulness of a given theory for specific applications, though that is not the only use of experiments. In this paper we look at the design and use of an experimental flexible structure for controls research