Optimization of placement of piezoelectric elements for the active control of plate vibrations

Abstract

Active vibration control of structures using piezoelectric sensors and actuators is explored. Finite element analysis providing theoretical predictions of the amplitudes of vibration of each of a mesh of nodes distributed over a plate is described. Statistical analysis of the predicted nodal amplitudes furnishes an optimized scheme for the placement of piezoelectric sensors and actuators. Said scheme provides for the minimum number of sensors and actuators needed to control the important vibration. Generalization of this algorithm to the control of other types of structures is discussed.