Optimal vibration control of a model frame structure using piezoceramic sensors and actuators

This research concerns the active vibration control of a three-story model structural frame by using piezoceramics smart materials, in particular lead zirconate titanate (PZT), in the form of patches. These PZT patches are surface-bonded on the structure and function as actuators and sensors. To assist the control design, system identification is first performed. To excite the frame for identification purposes, a sweep sinusoidal input is used to drive the PZT actuator patches, and then a sixth-order state space model with a fit of 90% is identified to represent the dynamics of the first three modes of the model structural frame. A full-state linear quadratic regulator (LQR) controller is designed using the identified model. To achieve the full state feedback, an observer is designed based on the identified model. The LQR controller along with the observer is implemented to actively control the vibration of the model frame structures and is experimentally verified effective in the simultaneous suppression of vibrations at the first three modes.