Suboptimal distributed state-feedback control of semi-active vibrating systems

Abstract

A novel semi-active control method for mitigating structural vibration is studied. The method relies on distributed state information patterns and the solution to a suboptimal control problem that aims at replicating the switched structures of the optimal open-loop stabilizing controls. The optimality conditions and the method of solution of the suboptimal problem are discussed. The performance of this method is examined by means of numerical experiments performed for a double cantilever system equipped with a set of semi-active elastomers with controlled viscoelastic properties. The experiments were carried out for different controller architectures and a series of initial conditions. In terms of the assumed objectives, the proposed distributed control strategy significantly outperforms the passive damping strategies and is competitive with a standard centralized control. The proposed approach is general to a class of bilinear control systems concerned with smart structural elements. The practical aspects of the designed distributed controller are highlighted.