Exponential stabilization of an axially moving string by linear boundary feedback (Q1295132)

The problems of an axially moving string or cable has fascinated some scientists in the last decade. Most efforts concentrated on stabilizing the motion of the string using boundary controls which in general had to act simultaneously with the observation of the state. The present authors use as mass-damper-spring (MDS) type controller applied to the boundary. State equations are derived directly from Hamilton's principle. The control force is applied at the free end through the MDS system. Semigroup theory is used to offer an analysis of this coupled system. Asymptotic decay of total energy to zero is proved. The Lyapunov function behavior insures exponential stability, provided the initial tension force of the string is sufficiently large (it must exceed the spring constant multiplied by the length of the string).