Design of robust controllers for smart structural systems using linear matrix inequalities

Abstract

This paper presents the design and implementation of a robust controller for a smart structural system. A procedure to derive a minimal linear fractional representation (LFR) for structural systems with uncertain natural frequencies and damping factors is developed using a structured tree decomposition algorithm. Based on this LFR representation, an output feedback robust controller design procedure was derived taking into account the control input constraints for the smart structure. The resulting bilinear matrix inequalities(BLMIs) were solved by the use of a cone complementarity linearization algorithm. Finally, the procedure was experimentally tested on a smart structural test article.