Robust control of flexible structures: A case study (Q1102245)

The authors conside three different types of damped Euler-Bernoulli- beams: the structured damping proposed by \textit{G. Chen} and \textit{D. L. Russel} [Q. Appl. Math. 39, 433-454 (1982; Zbl 0515.73033)], the classical Kelvin-Voigt-type damping, and a serial model with a heavy joint. The models are controlled by applying forces and moments to the middle of the structure, while the dual inspan conditions are chosen as observations. The transfer functions are then discussed in detail. Utilizing the theory developed by \textit{R. F. Curtain} and \textit{K. Glover} [Syst. Control. Lett. 7, 41-47 (1986; Zbl 0601.93044)], reviewed in Section 3 of the paper, the \(L_{\infty}\)-distance of these functions is computed, yielding information on robustness (margins) of the stabilization procedures with respect to uncertainties in the model parameters. Numerical results are given.