Proportional derivative and strain (PDS) boundary feedback control of a flexible space structure with a closed-loop chain mechanism (Q1614370)

The authors observe that in the existing literature on the control of flexible (i.e. elastic) structures there is very meager literature concerning closed-loop control, particularly for distributed parameters models. The authors comment that one of the reasons for avoiding closed-loop control was the excitation of high frequency vibration modes, the so-called spillover effect. The reviewer comments that also some of the prominent researchers in control theory for elastic structures are now involved in the theory of smart materials, which calls for entirely different and novel approaches. The systems analyzed here consist of two Euler-Bernoulli beams rigidly connected to each other. The mathematical model is of mixed type. It involves a partial differential system describing the dynamic system of two connected elastic beams, which is coupled to a system of ordinary differential equations. The corresponding rotations of the motors dynamics are represented by a system of ordinary differential equations. The aim of this design is to synthetise the control inputs such that the controlled system remains asymptotically stable. The properties of connections to the mass at the joint of the two beams are accounted for by the introduction of a Lagrangian multiplier. The aim of the control is to stabilize this system. The authors produce a stabilizing algorithm. Its effectiveness is validated by an experimental set up. From this, beginning with just two beams, they intend to proceed by generalizing their technique to more complex structures.