Swing vibration control of suspended structures using the Active Rotary Inertia Driver system: Theoretical modeling and experimental verification

Abstract

For the swing motion/vibration control of the suspended structural system, the tuned rotary inertia damper (TRID) has been proposed and investigated by the author previously. However it exhibits inherent robustness defect and limited applicability prospect due to its nature of being a passive tuning control system. In this paper, through the integration of active control philosophy with the rotary tuning control concept, an innovative control system named Active Rotary Inertia Driver (ARID) is proposed. First, based on the classical Lagrangian principle, the analytical model corresponding to the in-plane swing vibration mode of the suspended structure subjected to point source excitations is established, where the structure is controlled by the ARID system. Second, the equations of motion are linearized for the purpose of engaging the classical linear control algorithm, for example, a linear quadratic regulator. The versatility of the proposed control strategy is analyzed. Furthermore, a shaking table experiment system is developed to validate the control effectiveness of the ARID system. The dynamic characteristics of the ARID system in terms of control capabilities, robustness, and stability are investigated through a series of designated shaking table tests. The performance of the ARID control system for swing vibration control of the suspended structure is successfully validated. The ARID system shows better robustness than the TRID system because it can apply control torque to the structure according to the structural response state feedback. The control algorithm and weight parameters can be designed according to need, which has been proven to be stable. The results of the paper establish a sound theoretical foundation for future investigations concerning the new control method and development.