Sliding mode control of a large flexible space structure

This paper presents an experimental study on active vibration control of a flexible structure. The control uses constant force air-jet thrusters as actuators, and the switching logic is designed using the theory of sliding mode control. The design of the sliding surface for the system is based on a quadratic criterion involving the first six natural modes of the structure. It allows the system response to be shaped and the relative importance of the control of each mode to be defined with respect to the control power available. Experimental results were found to be very satisfactory when compared with those obtained in previous studies on the same structure. To face the same disturbance, the control time is shorter and the residual speed smaller. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Lid. AII rights reserved.