Integrating structure and control design to achieve mixed H2/H performance

Abstract

Present technology in structure design (smart structures, civil structures and aerospace structures) includes the use of feedback control. While retrofitting such active elements can be useful in existing structures, future designs will require something more than retrofitting technology. Future technology will certainly require a more systematic integration of the design of a structure and its active elements. This paper provides a step in that direction. We seek to integrate the design of the structure with its active elements to achieve mixed H2/H performance for the controlled structural system (closed loop system). More specificaly, the approach presented here solves a mixed passive control (structure design) and active control (feedback control law design) problems with performance characterized by system norms such that H performance bounds are guaranteed with les active energy. This approach al ows us to answer the question 'what is an optimal distribution of mass, stiffness, damping and control energy throughout a structure?' The main conclusion drew in this paper is that control design tools can be useful for structure design.