Optimal vibration control by the use of piezoceramic sensors and actuators

In this paper, a discrete degrees of freedom model has been formulated for a structural dynamic system consisting of a linear elastic structure, bonded piezoceramic sensors and actuators, and a feedback signal conditioning system. In addition, an optimal control procedure based on the minimization of a quadratic performance index of state and control vectors has been developed that uses output feedback methods. Finally, the application of the model and the control technique has been demonstrated through the example of a linear elastic beam with piezoceramic sensors and actuators occupying discrete subdomains of the beam upper and lower surfaces. A model for the linear elastic beam has been obtained by using test results and a structural dynamic system identification method based on an equation error approach. Results for various weights in the performance index are included, and implications for future applications are discussed.