ABSTRACT
A bstract The application o f smart technology to vibration suppression in structural systems requires the integration o f sensing, actuation and control schemes. As the technology associated with sensors and actuators gradually develops, there is a growing need for robust control algorithms which can account for the distinctive problems associated with suppressing structural vibrations. In this paper, the authors describe progress on the development o f a hybrid (active/passive) scheme for use in adaptive structures. An aluminium plate used in an aerospace vehicle is employed as the demonstrator. The technique is based upon the use o f a finite element model o f the plate, extended to include passive control in the form o f viscoelastic and constraining layers. Experimental results are presented to demonstrate the validity o f the finite element model o f the plate. Onto this framework is superimposed an active control scheme, formulated in modal state space. Emphasis is placed upon model reduction to obtain a low-order controller and to minimise the spillover effects which are induced when such controllers are implemented. Through a series o f numerical experiments, it is shown how the presence o f passive control (viscoelastic and constraining layer) introduces damping to improve robustness o f modal control strategies. The paper concludes with a discussion o f issues which remain to be resolved.
