MULTIVARIABLE HIGH-AUTHORITY CONTROL OF PLATE-LIKE ACTIVE STRUCTURES

A dynamic modeling capability for plate-like structures with integrate d strain actuators is developed using the Rayleigh-Ritz assumed-mode m ethod. The analytical model is utilized to design multi-input, multi-o utput (MIMO) controllers for active plate-like test articles. High con trol authority linear quadratic Gaussian (LQG) and optimal projection compensators are designed using a control-law development procedure th at combines performance objectives, physical measurements, and LQG des ign variables in a consistent manner. The control laws are implemented using a real-time digital-control computer. In addition, a stability robustness guideline is developed to predict, a priori, the amount of control authority that can be applied to the test articles without des tabilizing high-frequency modes. Closed-loop benchtop experiments are performed to verify the open-loop analytical model, the stability robu stness predictions, and the control-law development procedure; the exp eriments demonstrate the ability of integrated strain actuators to eff ect high-authority MIMO control on flexible plate-like structures. The results show that considerable disturbance attenuation can be achieve d both in the quasi-steady response and over large bandwidths spanning many flexible modes.