Intelligent algorithms for H∞-optimal placement of actuators and sensors in structural control

Four algorithms are described to search and find spatial configuration for the placement of a finite number of actuators and sensors on a continuous flexible structure to reduce deformations in the structures to a minimum in H_∞ sense. The computational cost of the optimal mapping search is reduced through four techniques: 1) the computationally expensive goal function based on the complete H _∞ design is replaced by a two-step hybrid function, which performs a computationally inexpensive pass-fail test and proceeds to the complete H_∞ design only if the test was passed; 2) a target H_∞ norm used in the mentioned pass-fail test is adjusted based on the already evaluated mappings in order to increase the number of failed tests and reduce the number of complete H _∞ designs; 3) the exhaustive search as the basic search technique is replaced by a more intelligent genetic algorithm; and 4) the search is implemented on a parallel computer. The algorithms are benchmarked for two test cases: a model of a simply supported beam, and a model of the UCLA large space structure