The application of multi-channel design methods for vibration control of an active structure

The authors present multi-channel control methods for actively controlling vibration transmission of disturbances in a typical finite beam structure bonded with piezoelectric sensors and actuators. The control architecture is geared towards disturbance rejection and enhanced performance, while maintaining robustness to the active structure plant variations and modeling uncertainties. The methods investigated include linear/non-linear rate feedback control, linear quadratic Gaussian/loop transfer recovery control with augmented states to obtain disturbance accommodation, H infinity optimization control, and adaptive feedforward multi-channel control based on the least-mean-squares algorithm. The effectiveness of the control schemes is evaluated and the advantages and disadvantages in their application are discussed. A hybrid multi-channel formulation is developed to account for both steady state and transient vibrations.