Multi-objective optimization of an active constrained layer damping treatment for shapecontrol of flexible beams

Abstract

This work presents the use of a multi-objective genetic algorithm (MOGA) to solve anintegrated optimization problem for the shape control of flexible beams with an activeconstrained layer damping (ACLD) treatment. The design objectives are to minimize thetotal weight of the system, the input voltages and the steady-state error between theachieved and desired shapes. Design variables include the thickness of the constraining andviscoelastic layers, the arrangement of the ACLD patches, as well as the control gains. Inorder to set up an evaluator for the MOGA, the finite element method (FEM), inconjunction with the Golla–Hughes–McTavish (GHM) method, is employed to model aclamped-free beam with ACLD patches to predict the dynamic behaviour of the system. Asa result of the optimization, reasonable Pareto solutions are successfully obtained. It isshown that ACLD treatment is suitable for shape control of flexible structures andthat the MOGA is applicable to the present integrated optimization problem.