Optimal design of PZT actuators in active structural acoustic control of a cylindrical shell with a floor partition

Genetic algorithms (GAs) are employed to optimize locations of PZT actuators in an active structural acoustic control (ASAC) system comprising a cylindrical shell with an internal floor partition. The effect of PZT actuators is simulated using a bending model and an in-plane force model, respectively. The characteristics of the optimal placements of both models are discussed and compared. Numerical simulations demonstrate that for the investigated structure, the in-plane force model has a better control performance than the bending model in the low-frequency range. The underlying physics of the control results are analyzed. Considering the practical applicability of optimally designed ASAC systems, the control performance of the optimal configuration obtained at a single frequency is assessed in the low-frequency range between 100 and 500 Hz, with results showing a significant sound attenuation in the whole range of interest. (Author)