The optimal location of piezoelectric actuators and sensors for vibration control of plates

This paper considers the optimal placement of collocated piezoelectric actuator–sensor pairs on a thin plate using a model-based linear quadratic regulator ( LQR ) controller. LQR performance is taken as objective for finding the optimal location of sensor–actuator pairs. The problem is formulated using the finite element method (FEM) as multi-input–multi-output (MIMO) model control. The discrete optimal sensor and actuator location problem is formulated in the framework of a zero–one optimization problem. A genetic algorithm (GA) is used to solve the zero–one optimization problem. Different classical control strategies like direct proportional feedback, constant-gain negative velocity feedback and the LQR optimal control scheme are applied to study the control effectiveness.