Global Multivariable Vibration Control with Distributed Piezoceramic Actuators

Abstract

The topic of vibration control with distributed actuators has been the subject of much recent research. A technique by which the random vibration of a rectangular panel is controlled by means of a pair of thinsheet piezoceramic actuators is presented. Two accelerometers provide the feedback signals, which are processed digitally, according to a multivariable direct feedthrough feedback control law, to determine the control voltages. The control law design process decouples the feedback system into two actuator/sensor pairs. The procedure used to determine actuator and sensor locations, based on the modes to be controlled, is discussed. The method employed to select model orders and optimise feedback gains is also described. Finally, experimental results which demonstrate that significant reductions in vibration levels are achieved globally are presented.