Application of a spectral factorization approach to the control of flexible structures

In this paper we present an application of a Wiener-Hopf method, developed by J. Davis, to the design of control systems for flexible structures. This method uses a frequency domain algorithm to compute the optimal (regulator) feedback gains, and requires spectral factorization as a crucial computation step. The numerical algorithm for the spectral factorization is based on an earlier work of F. Stenger. We have applied the Davis-Stenger methodology to the problem of vibration control of large, flexible structures. An analysis of the problem has been carried out and the optimal feedback regulator control law has been computed numerically for a simply supported Euler beam. Results of time simulation of the controlled system are included.